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 you today!”

“I have something to take care of, and it’s too late. Ava must be asleep. I won’t go in,” he said, pulling me into his arms again. He planted a kiss on my forehead. “Be a good girl and get some rest. Tomorrow will be a brand new day.”

Although I was reluctant, I had to give him the time he needed to handle his affairs. It might have been an excuse, but I had no reason to stop him.

I looked back at him as I walked in, feeling something was off. He stood by his car, watching as I