Olivia Westview I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. I was paralyzed, caught in the intensity of the moment, unable to speak or move. The truth was right there, just beneath the surface, but admitting it felt like crossing a line that I wasn't sure I could ever come back from. James’s eyes bore into mine, searching for any hint of what I was feeling, but all I could do was stare back, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. The air between us felt like lead. The silence stretched out, each second making it harder for me to breathe. Finally, James took a deep breath, his expression shifting slightly. The fire in his eyes dimmed, replaced by something softer, more resigned. He slowly let his hand fall away from my face, the warmth of his touch lingering