Each time she tried to speak, her courage slipped away. The fear of hearing an answer that might break her heart held her back.
Time passed, and the quietness between them deepened. Zara couldn't stay silent any longer.
"Nathaniel," she called him, checking if he was asleep.
"Hmm," he hummed softly, half awake, half asleep.
"I've a question."
"Hmm…"
Zara pursed her lips, the thumping of her heart increasing. "I've been thinking these days." Her voice dropped even down, as low as a whisper. "I want to know…" She hesitated, nerves coiling tight in her stomach. "What you truly feel about me."
There was no response from his side.
Her chest tightened, heat rushing to her cheeks. Summoning the last of her courage, she finally asked, "Do you love me?"
He didn't answer right away.
