He saw the confusion in my eyes and leaned down to kiss me with the utmost tenderness.

He eventually let me go, still cradling my face.

"Give me time," he said. “I’ll tell you how I lost you. Now, let’s go home.”

I pushed down all the doubts in my mind. I didn’t want to tarnish the moment, knowing he wouldn’t lie to me.

He escorted me back to Amethyst Apartments. At the doorstep, he bid me farewell. “Rest well and remember tomorrow’s private banquet.”

“Aren’t you coming in? Ava hasn’t seen