Evander's POV
"What… What did you just say?" I stared at Claire, my heart pounding in disbelief. Did she really just say she loved me?
"I said…" Her voice trembled as she paused. Her delicate fingers brushed against my lips, silencing me.
"I said that I have never stopped loving you," she whispered, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "You are the only man I have ever loved, the only one I have ever desired."
Her words hung in the air, stealing my breath. Before I could respond, she buried her face in my chest, her warmth seeping into me.
I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. My voice was soft but filled with emotion as I finally spoke. "Claire… you have no idea how long I have waited to hear those words. I love you too. I always have."
