Chapter 262

Cecilia's pov A few minutes later, the words finally came out. "My mom... " I swallowed, trying to steady my voice. "She doesn't think we're... a good match." I forced a laugh, but it came out hollow. "She wants me to quit my job. Cut ties. Walk away from this thing... from you." Even now, I couldn't bring myself to mention the other option she'd offered. His voice was quiet. "Do you want to break up with me?" He wasn't asking for reassurance. He was asking for the truth. I didn't answer right away. My silence wasn't indecision—it was calculation. I knew what I felt. I just didn't know what to do with it. He kissed me, gently this time, as if trying to anchor me. When I finally exhaled and relaxed in his arms, he murmured, "You'd miss me. Wouldn't you?" I kept my eyes closed and nuzzled his jaw. "You're unfairly good at this. Who could walk away from that?" He smiled. He knew what he meant to me, even if I hadn't said it out loud. Then he said, carefully, "If you can't stand to lose me