Cyril’s POV
The doors closed behind Ella’s family. The hall was silent except for the sound of both our breathing. Everyone else had already left after I ordered them out. Only Ella and I remained.
She still stood in the same spot, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. Her shoulders shook slightly as if she was cold, though the hall was not cold. She would not look at me again after those few words we had exchanged.
I stayed near her, not moving any closer. I knew she needed space. If I reached out, she might pull back, and I could not stand to see her flinch again.
“Ella,” I said quietly.
She did not answer. Her head remained lowered.
I tried again. “You do not have to be afraid. They will not touch you. I will not let them, you are mine now, no one has the right, not even my fat
