Chapter 45. A Hidden Pain

BRIANNA’S POV

“Can…can I please come in?” His voice was fragile. Shaking. Hurt. And his creamy gaze, trying to avoid mine. This was his castle. He didn’t have to beg me to come inside. I just wished it wasn’t at a time like this. He could see the luggage I kept by the side of the bed and find out I was about to leave.

In the past, I’d often been the one hesitant to meet his gaze, my nerves always getting the best of me. But now it was the other way round. It was obvious something was wrong. His anniversary party was still going on outside. And yet he came into the castle, wanting to come into my room unannounced.

“Yes, you can,” I muttered as I made way for him, biting hard on my lower lip. Praying that he wouldn’t see the luggage.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he buried his face into his palms, raking his perfectly curled hair into a mess.

Seizing that chance, I tried to slide the luggage beneath the bed, but his head shot up, catching me off guard a