"You have never been a burden. Not even for a single second."
"!"
Ethea's beating heart suddenly intensified, hammering wildly against her ribs. She quickly turned away in shame, unable to face him any longer.
'Why did I say all of that?'
'Urgh, so embarrassing.'
A deep flush crept up her face. She felt completely exposed, her mind racing with regret over her own sudden boldness. Sure, she was going to express her gratitude, but not that much! And certainly not confessing her intentions!
'What is he going to think of me now?'
The agonizing worry began to chew at her composure, making the quiet room feel entirely too small.
With each passing second, the lack of any response from him grew heavier until she simply could no longer bear the tense silence.
She secretly took a peek at Soren, bracing herself to find him looking as clueless as ever.
However, the sight that met her eyes made her freeze in absolute shock.
