But it had never occurred to her that someone as gentle and refined as Ferdinand might have approached her with an ulterior motive.

Even his impressive medical skills could, at any moment, become weapons meant to harm.

Disappointment washed over Briony, but fear outweighed it.

How much more was Ferdinand hiding from her?

This side of him-so deep and inscrutable-made her deeply uneasy.

How could she trust any talk of love or care coming from his lips?

Ferdinand produced the engagement ring once more.

Under the lights, the diamond sparkled brilliantly.

He held the ring out to her. "Bryn, say yes. Give me the chance to protect you- openly and rightfully."

Briony couldn't take it anymore.

She closed her eyes, took a steadying breath, and when she looked at Ferdinand again, her expression was weary.

more between us, and there never

emotion in his gentle eyes impossible to miss. "Bryn, we always got along so well. If not for the

the past or now, I only ever saw you as a friend." Briony met his gaze, her voice earnest. "Ferdinand, please don't make this harder than it has to be. There's never been anything but friendship between

see nothing but caution and

Stewart. He's gone. There's no point in comparing

it because I'm a

it." Briony shook her head. "Feelings aren't

grow," Ferdinand insisted softly. "Just give me

firm but gentle. "Ferdinand, whether it's lovers, friends, or even family,

Our

don't force it."

excuses," Ferdinand murmured,

let go of Stewart."

you keep

no longer felt

was some regret,

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