Counterfeit Affection
"It was my dearest wish to marry you, so I'm absolutely happy, Claire. What brought this question on so abruptly?"
I noticed the flicker of avoidance in his gaze and felt a sharp, sudden pang in my heart. I knew, without a doubt, that he was lying.
I realized that it made sense, though. Henry, the profoundly devoted deuteragonist, who sacrificed his life's happiness to protect the protagonist, could never genuinely develop feelings for me.
I released the hem of his trench coat before I tugged my mouth into a semblance of a smile, replying, "I just got curious. I just want you to know that regardless of everything, I genuinely hope you're happy, Henry."