Please, say something… please, Olivia prayed silently, her heart pounding as she watched Lucian just sitting there, staring at her in silence. His eyes were on her, but his lips remained sealed, and it was tearing her apart.
She forced herself to smile light, soft, and gentle. It was fragile, like glass that could shatter at any moment. Tears threatened to break free, but she held them back, refusing to let her emotions take control now. This was her moment, and she wouldn't let herself ruin it.
"A-ah, this one," she began, her voice trembling slightly as she reached out to pat the gift she had placed on his lap. "This one's for your thirteenth birthday," she said, her tone strained with an attempt at cheerfulness.
