Her blush deepened, her hand brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You've changed, Arthur. You used to be so… reserved. Now you're—"
"Charming?" I teased, leaning on the railing beside her.
"Bold," she corrected with a soft laugh, though the word came out almost like a compliment. "It's not a bad thing."
The sudden intimacy between us made the world seem to pause, and for a brief moment, nothing else existed. Alicia's presence was magnetic, her every shy glance and gentle smile drawing me closer like a moth to a flame.
The soft breeze ruffled her hair, catching a stray lock that danced across her face. Without thinking, I reached out, tucking it behind her ear. My fingers brushed against her skin, and she froze, her wide eyes meeting mine.
"Arthur…" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves in the garden below.
"I mean it, Alicia," I said softly, my hand lingering on her cheek. "You're stunning."
