And in that moment, it hit me that I would have to say it out loud.
The thought had been circling my mind for hours. It was like a restless shadow I could not shake off, but saying it would make it real.
I took in a deep breath, my palms damp, my throat dry.
"I want you and Edward to pretend to be Emma's parents." I spilled it out, my voice trembling slightly.
The words hung in the air like a sharp echo that refused to fade.
"What?" they both said in unison, eyes wide, voices overlapping in shock.
Sophie's tone was half-shocked, half-confused. Edward's had a deep note of confusion and authority. The sound startled me enough that I almost jumped.
I glanced instinctively toward Matteo. He did not look surprised.
Of course, he didn't.
He just leaned back in his chair. His expressions were unreadable, as he gave me that look.
That silent "What did you think would happen?" kind of look that somehow managed to make me feel both ridiculous and stupid.
