Arthur looked at Zoe, concerned.

“Did I do something wrong?”

Zoe took a deep breath, touching his hand gently.

“No. It’s just that… I need to tell you something. I know I seem wild, uninhibited, I joke about everything, but… I’m a virgin.”

Arthur’s eyes widened slightly, surprised, but he stayed silent, listening.

“I promised my mother I’d only have sex after marriage. It’s my choice, a value I take seriously. I know it might be too much for some people. So if you don’t want to stay with me because of it, I’ll understand. Truly.”

Arthur looked at her with tenderness.

“Zoe, that makes you even more incredible. I respect you deeply. And I’ll wait as long as it takes. I don’t want to be with you just for that. I want to be with you because you’re you. And that’s enough for me.”

Zoe smiled, moved, her eyes shining.

“Thank you for understanding.”

Arthur held her hand, kissing the back of it softly.

“Understand this, Zoe: it isn’t your body that draws me to you—it’s your soul, your essence.