The room felt quiet, almost too still.

Celeste had been sure he would agree if she asked Nathaniel sweetly.

But as soon as the words left her mouth, she noticed his arms around her tense slightly.

Nathaniel didn't respond right away, yet the silence that followed was enough to make the air feel heavier.

His gaze lowered, resting on her pale face, and a flicker of tension crossed his own.

"Stop worrying about everyone else," he said finally, his voice low but ...