Roman exhaled slowly, running a hand over the back of his neck. "I want us to move forward with the plan," he said. "I can't stand my father anymore."
Estelle held his gaze, studying him, searching. "That's why you're here?" she asked softly. Not because you want to be?
Roman nodded, the motion firm, like he was trying to convince himself as much as her. "We made a plan," he said, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "And we need to follow through. The sooner we start, the faster I'm free from my father's hold, and the sooner we can both walk away from this marriage and live our lives the way we want."
Estelle opened her mouth to respond, but nothing came out. The air felt thicker all of a sudden, pressing against her chest. She swallowed, forcing the feeling down, and gave a small nod instead.
