Chapter 12

I hesitated for a moment, lips parting slightly as I was about to speak, but Raleigh interrupted me.

"While shopping, I saw a necklace that I thought looked nice, so I bought it for you," he said, taking it out of the box and carefully putting it around my neck without waiting for my response.

His movements were slow and cautious as if he were afraid I might refuse.

I had seen his decisive demeanor at work, and he rarely smiled, so this sudden caution felt a bit strange to me.

However, he often did things like this.

He'd drop by the hospital, treat me to meals and flowers, and then, just as casually, he got me a necklace.

"It's very beautiful. I really like it," I said, picking up the necklace and smiling at him.

Seeing his serious expression, I sat him down on a bench and held his hand. His dark eyes were fixed on mine as he whispered, " Have you ever thought about the possibility that I'm speaking the truth?"

My smile faltered for a moment as I looked up at the slightly darkening s