Lara's POV
I already knew. Of course, I knew. But hearing him say it, watching the words form on his lips, felt like a slap in the face. My nails dug into my palm as I forced a neutral expression. “Why are you telling me this now?” I asked, my voice low but steady. “Because you’re important to me,” he said without hesitation. “I don’t want you to feel left out or blindsided.” His words should have been comforting, but they only fueled the fire burning inside me. Important? Left out? Was that all he thought I felt? "But why so soon?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. “Why is the date so close? What’s the hurry?” He raised his brow, throwing a question gaze at me. I struggled to give a reasonable excuse. "I-I mean, both you and Elena are still young for marriage . why are you in a hurry to get married?"
