Ryan froze the moment he heard what I said.

For a brief second, a flicker of confusion flashed across his eyes before he quickly masked it with tenderness.

Then, with a gentle smile, he reached out and brushed my hair, like coaxing a child throwing a tantrum.

"Gabby, why would you have such a strange dream? Anyway, let’s forget about it. It was just a dream—it's not real. Don't let it get to you."

"Yeah, just a dream." I smiled back, but my gaze had already ...