Chapter 8. A Long Awaited Proposal

Evelyn

Jacob’s body froze at my question, his green eyes flickering with a strange realization. Slowly, his grip on me loosened, and he stepped away, leaving my skin cold and my heart sinking. The warmth that had just wrapped around me like a safety net faded, replaced by the icy tendrils of doubt.

I couldn’t read his expression. It was unreadable, distant, and yet somehow heavy, as though my words had triggered something deep within him.

Had I crossed a line?

Did I say it too soon?

We had only just recovered from everything—every wound, every misunderstanding, every piece of shattered trust. Maybe he thought it was too soon for something this monumental.

I opened my mouth to say something, but the words caught in my throat as he turned abruptly and walked into the room, leaving me standing there in silence.

I followed, confusion and regret tangling in my chest.

This was a mistake.

But as I entered the room, I stopped. Jac