I asked him calmly –
"What exactly do you plan to do with me – beyond tonight?"
Victor's intense gaze softened slightly, his voice low and thoughtful:
"Honestly, Juliana... I've never thought beyond breaking your spirit. You've been a fascinating enemy."
He paused, studying my reaction before continuing:
"But now that you're my wife... I wonder if there's more to our arrangement than obedience."
My heart skipped a beat at his words – was Victor revealing a glimmer of vulnerability?
I responded cautiously:
"You expect me to believe you, husband – after everything?"
Victor's eyes locked onto mine, his expression surprisingly sincere:
"I deserve your distrust. But perhaps... I'm tired of ruling only through fear."
As he spoke, his guard dropped further – I glimpsed a hint of sadness, of loneliness beneath his harsh exterior.