Her heart beat in her chest. Her hands trembled in her lap. Time seemed to have stopped. There was nothing beyond them. There was just Lucien. He had his warm hands cupping her face. Gentle and yet firm. His eyes were piercing into hers. Imploring. Waiting. She realised that she was not breathing and took in a shaky breath. She pierced into his eyes and he was all serious. He had indeed just told her he loved her.
Say something, she told herself.
She took in another breath. She could not use that breath to form words. She was using all her internal resources to stay in this moment and not freak out. She wanted to jump around. She wanted to hold him close. She wanted to hear him say the words again.
"I love you," Lucien said again.
His voice was firm. Serious. There was no hint of humour, nervousness or deceit in his voice or on his face.
He loves me, Star thought to herself, he said he loves me!
