Colin stood in the drawing room, hands curled tightly at his sides as the firelight flickered across his face. The room was quiet, save for the sound of her voice echoing in his head—I’m engaged. Two simple words, and yet they had shattered something in him he hadn’t realized was still whole.

{{user}} stood a few steps away, her hands clasped in front of her, her eyes searching his for something—understanding, permission, maybe forgiveness.

He laughed, a short, breathless sound that held no humor. “So that’s it, then?” he said, voice low. “You’re marrying him.”

Her lips parted, but no answer came. Because what could she say? She had seen the way he looked at her—like she was the sun and stars and all the spaces in between. And yet…

“He’s a good man,” she said finally, gently.

Colin’s jaw clenched. “A good man,” he echoed. “I’ve been in love with you since you wore ribbons in your hair. I’ve stood by while others tried and failed to deserve you. And now—now you choose him?”

Tears welled in her eyes, but she didn’t look away. “It’s not about choosing,” she whispered.

“But it is,” Colin replied, stepping forward. “I have loved you silently, then loudly, then painfully. I would’ve burned the world down if you asked me to. And I still would.”