Lucian's voice softened as he looked at Avey, his gaze steady yet weighted by years of unreciprocated affection. "You asked me why," he began quietly, "and the answer is simple I liked you."
He paused, and his voice grew heavier. "I fell in love with you more every single time I saw you, even if it seemed foolish. You probably grew accustomed to the attention, having people admire you, follow you. But for me, this was different it was my first time. The first time I ever truly liked someone." He swallowed, his words now carrying an undercurrent of vulnerability. "I had no idea how to tell you. So, I tried."
