At that moment his tone was calm, but it carried weight. "Cora, I'm not saying reject them. I'm saying don't let the excitement cloud your judgment. Don't let your guard down. Because if they sense even a bit of weakness or desperation, they'll use it."
For a moment, silence lingered between them. Then Cora exhaled, her voice coming softly.
"Oliver… you worry too much."
"I do," he admitted without hesitation. "Especially when it comes to you."
Cora smiled faintly, her eyes warm despite the tension in the air. "I expected this from you. You've always been the cautious one. You've always been the voice pulling me back when I'm ready to leap. And honestly? I'm glad I have that voice beside me, it keeps me in cheek."
