Bella's POV
My heart hammered against my ribs as I stared into Caspian's eyes, his face barely inches from mine.
How could someone like Caspian—with all his power and prestige—confess to me in such a vulnerable, almost desperate way?
I'm not some breathtaking beauty or celebrated genius in Valeridge City. I'm just... ordinary.
Do I even deserve this?
But I couldn't voice any of these doubts swirling in my head.
Before I knew what was happening, I'd already bolted.
When Penny tracked me down, she took one look at my burning cheeks and rushed to press her palm against my forehead.
"No fever..." she muttered, frowning. "So why are you red as a tomato?"
My mind kept replaying what had just happened.
In my panic, I'd actually shoved Caspian backward into the snow beneath the tree.
His shocked, incredulous stare had burned into mine, silently demanding, "Did you just do that to me?"
I buried my face in my hands. "Penny, we need to leave."
