Chapter 67

“Do you know how difficult it was for me to remain there acting like I wasn’t affected by the things you said to me? Like I wasn’t falling more and more in love with you. The gentle way you talked to me, your understanding.” 

He swallowed nervously.  

“Don’t you understand it, Leo? You confused me like no one has ever done before. You did kiss me at times when I was sure none of your family members was watching and then say nothing later. 

No explanation. And of course, I couldn’t tell you that it was bothering me, that I was in love with you lest it turns out you reciprocated no such feelings for me too and was only pretending to, as the charade required. 

When that happens, I feared you might feel uncomfortable with me, and eventually might want to lay me off after the charade was done and I needed that job!” 

“I had no idea, Paige. Truly, I didn’t.” 

“Of course, you didn’t. How could you have known I was dying inside ever