"Do you love me, Sophie?" He lowered his eyelids and silently parted his lips in a grin.
Hearing the words he suddenly uttered, Sophie covered her mouth and held her breath.
"You can't say it, can you?" He chuckled softly, then murmured in a low voice: "I understand. You must have already started to fall in love with me."
She bit her lower lip, trying hard not to make any sound; her usual sharp-tongued demeanor had vanished entirely.
"You've promised to come to the banquet with me. I'm already looking forward to that day." Ned's eyes held only calm, with no trace of amusement.
Sophie's heart twisted tightly, and her heartbeat inexplicably began to race…
She was afraid in her heart—of her mother's warnings, Lara's tearful complaints, Archibald's jokes, and Ned's eagerness. All of it made her panic. That promise had been so reluctant and impulsive; she hadn't truly considered what kind of people she would face in half a month.
