CHAPTER 86: LETTING HIM IN

NATASHA

"I love you, Michael."

The words flowed effortlessly from my lips, causing him to tense up as if he had just been doused with ice-cold water.

My hands could feel the tension he grew in him.

Those three words, I had never said it outloud until this very moment.

I was afraid that I might get rejected even after the countless times he confessed what he feels for me.

And this is the very moment I have been keeping myself from.

I couldn't help but smile. My heart felt light and liberated after finally expressing something I had kept inside for so long.

Michael grasped my shoulders, creating a distance between us.

His eyes sparkled like crystals in the sunlight, clearly taken aback. His jaw dropped in shock, not a muscle moving.

My confession stirred a whirlwind of emotions on his face, but surprise was the most evident.

"Michael?" I called out, trying to snap him out of his trance.

His hand, which had been resting on my thigh, loosened its grip as he remained still, saying nothing.