"I love you, Edwards," Annabelle confessed, her words hanging in the air between them like a fragile thread. "Even before our contract, I accepted it in the hopes that someday you would understand my feelings and reciprocate my love. But until now, I don't know how you feel about me. Do you love me, Edwards?" she asked, her voice quivering with uncertainty.
Edwards's face remained impassive as he struggled to process Annabelle's confession. He had heard her profess her love in a drunken state before, but he had never taken it seriously. Now, hearing that she had loved him even before their contract began, he felt a surge of guilt wash over him, realizing how deeply he had hurt her with his indifference.
But amidst the guilt, there was also confusion. Edwards had spent so long burying his emotions, shielding himself from the pain of past betrayals. He had yet to come to terms with his own feelings towards Annabelle.
