"Are you scared?" Zairon asked softly, his eyes searching for my reaction. I kept silent, avoiding eye contact. He looked regretful and guilty, saying, "I'm sorry," as he gently took my hand and kissed it. "I'm sorry, baby. You'll come with me to the house, right?"
I sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the situation. "Yes, but we need to keep our relationship a secret, Zairon. I'm graduating soon, and I don't want to risk my reputation here." I gently withdrew my hand, turning away slightly.
There was a tense pause as he absorbed my words. His brows furrowed, and his jaw tensed, revealing his inner conflict. Eventually, he spoke with frustration. "I don't like hiding you, Laurene," he said, his gaze intense, fists clenched at his sides. "But if that's what you want, okay." He sighed reluctantly, shoulders slumping. "We'll keep it a secret. But it won't be forever," he added firmly. "I won't rest until everyone knows you're mine."
