Ilaria noticed the shift before she fully understood it. It was too subtle to be accidental. The way his breathing evened out, the way his hold remained steady but no longer adjusted around her. Her heart gave a small, startled jump.
She drew back to look at him, realization caught up to her words. "Wait— husband. I'm sorry."
Levan had already closed his eyes by then, lashes resting calmly against his cheeks, expression unreadable and composed as ever. For a moment, she thought he might pretend not to have heard her at all. But then he opened his eyes slowly, as if nothing in the world had been disturbed.
"Sorry for what?" he asked mildly, his voice husky from the short nap.
Ilaria swallowed. "For bringing her up. I wasn't thinking," she said carefully. "I know it's… sensitive for you."
His steady gaze stayed on her face, searching not for offense, but for understanding.
"You didn't say anything wrong," he replied simply.
