She considered relaying to Colin what the couple had told her. But for what purpose? And what if it caused her husband to feel protective and defensive toward Princess? He might have seen through the other woman's ploys, but those actions of hers only made Princess desperate, not evil.
But if she were to tell him about how Princess was largely to blame for Roland's financial woes, what then? Would he believe her? What if he didn't? Should she stay in a marriage that clearly had no foundation on trust?
Footsteps on the garden path drew her attention. Colin approached, his eyes made dark by concern. "You had me worried,kyria.I've been looking everywhere for you."
"I'm sorry," she apologized right away. "I just needed some air."
His gaze narrowed. "Has something happened?"
Hope weighed her options, torn between confrontation and caution. No matter how many times she thought about the couple's words, it just didn't feel right to speak badly of Princess. And so instead she heard herself say, "I don't know what to think of us anymore."
She felt him stiffen, but she couldn't make herself take the words back. Because she realized now that they needed to be said.
"Please tell me the tuth," she said shakily. "Am I allowed to have hope about our marriage? Because if you still don't me in your future, then maybe, you should let me go—"
"Never."
The fierceness of his answer stunned her, with his tone bordering on savage.
"How many times do I have to tell you this?" Colin bit out. "You're mine—"
"But what about you?" It was her first time to cut him off. "W-What about you, Colin? Are you—"
"Yes."
Hope's throat tightened.
"I've never said this to anyone," Colin said tautly, "but if you have to hear the words—"
"Yes." It was her turn to say the word, albeit in a tremulous whisper.
"I'm yours." Her husband held her gaze as he said it, and Hope's lip started to tremble.
"I'm all yours."
She tried so hard to control herself, but it was just impossible. The moment she heard him saying it again, she started to cry, the tears running endlessly down her cheeks.
Colin...was hers.
Was this real? Was this truly happening? Was her husband truly hers?
Colin cupped her face, and her tears ran even faster.
His gaze captured hers, and it was like seeing eternity in his eyes.
"Do you need me to spell it out?"
Spell out what?
"I'm in love with you, Hope Soukoulis. And it's why I want you to be mine forever, even if I don't deserve it."
Chapter Eight
"You're quiet again."
It was the morning after...that.She had woken in his arms. He had made love to her again before breakfast. And it was just now, when they were having coffee, that Colin spoke of the elephant in the room.
Hope struggled to find something to say. Remembering how she always abandoned all inhibitions in his arms was usually what caused her embarrassment. But right now, what she had a hard time facing was the memories of Colin telling her the truth about her feelings.