Chapter 70: Future Bride

"Nikolai... You... I... really..." Ophelia’s voice trembled, her words failing her as her mind struggled to find coherence. She felt completely overwhelmed by the presence of the man before her, his intensity consuming her thoughts and emotions. "Breathe," Nikolai murmured softly, his voice a deep, calming presence that contrasted with the chaotic storm within her. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze never leaving her, as if his mere focus could guide her through her turmoil. "I... you... I really don't..." Her words faltered again, and she shut her eyes tightly, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. The confusion, the overwhelming emotions, it was all too much. How could she articulate the whirlwind of feelings that Nikolai stirred within her? It was as if her thoughts were tied in knots, each one more tangled than the last. "Breathe," he whispered again, his voice a soothing balm against the rising tide of her anxiety. Following his gentle command, she took a deep breath, then