In the seconds after her explanation came to a close, Lach stared at her with soft eyes. His chest squeezed, and he couldn't decide whether or not he was happy or disappointed for her. Everything she described sound like the perfect life for her—except for the absence of love, which he'd always known to be paramount in relationships if his family was any indication. Was she trying to convince herself that it was worth going through with it? Is that why she'd come here?

"You know you don't have to get married if you don't want to. Even if he's a good man." He didn't know what prompted him to approach it at this angle. He almost regretted not confirming that she was doing the right thing.

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