I stared wide-eyed at Raymond, unable to believe what I had just heard.

My brain seemed to shut down completely as I stood there, frozen, looking at him. Raymond had already walked up to me, his gaze filled with unmasked affection and tenderness.

We simply locked eyes, neither of us speaking, even as the fireworks behind him came to an end.

Raymond sighed softly, reaching out to pinch my cheek gently.

"What’s wrong? Why are you standing ...