"Perhaps to some people, especially those in our circle, this might sound archaic." Phoebe lowered her gaze, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the edge of the table before slowly relaxing again. She drew in a quiet breath, as though steadying herself before revealing something deeply personal. "But... to be entirely honest..." She paused briefly. "I don't believe in intimacy outside of marriage."
The confession settled softly between them, carrying enough weight to dissolve the tension that had been building only moments ago. Phoebe forced herself to meet his eyes despite the nervousness tightening her chest.
"I don't really know how to explain it." A faint smile touched her lips before fading. "Even if it's with the man I love... even if he's already my partner..." She shook her head. "As long as we're only boyfriend and girlfriend—not husband and wife—I don't want to cross that line."
She fell silent, waiting.
