After hearing the unspoken words in Lili's heart, the Emperor found himself conflicted. The dessert she had lovingly prepared for him now sat half-eaten between them, but his attention was no longer on the food. It was on her—the woman sitting across from him, whose mind had revealed more to him than her lips ever could.
As they sat in silence, Lili's heart voice continued to echo in his mind, her emotions pouring out despite her calm facade.
He's really staying... Why does he look so distant? she thought, her inner voice soft but tinged with pain. Does he not remember how close we once were? I loved him from the very beginning. Every time he pulled away, it hurt me... But I can't say that out loud. He might think it's a scheme.
