Chapter 52

A surprised laugh bubbled up from Elodie’s throat. Dashiell, the epitome of self-assured perfection, seeking her forgiveness? It was almost intoxicating. But then, a sharper question pricked her mind. ‘What about Selene?’ ‘It’s over,’ he said, his voice firm. ‘Been over for a while. See?’ He extended his hand, the finger that once held Selene’s engagement ring now bare. ‘Elodie,’ he continued, ‘I want to pursue you, properly. No more family obligations, no more playing pretend. Just me, and you. No one else telling me what to do, what to feel.’ His words were a siren call, promising something raw and real. But Elodie, ever the pragmatist, kept her feet firmly planted. ‘Flattered, Dashiell,’ she said, her voice cool as a cucumber mint mojito, ‘but I have a confession. A bit of a dealbreaker, actually.’ ‘Dealbreaker? What—’ ‘Eye colour. I’m a sucker for brown eyes. Deep, warm, molten chocolate brown. If you’ve ever had a Hershey’s bar, you know what I’m talking about.’ Dashiell’s jaw dro