The silence that followed seemed to stretch into eternity. Sophia's eyes widened in shock. Her lips slightly parted as if words were caught in the whirlwind of emotions. She finally managed to stammer out, "Steven, how… how can you say that? We've only known each other for a short time. How could you be in love with me?"
Steven nodded, understanding the gravity of his confession. "I know it sounds sudden, Sophia, but it's not about the duration. It's about the depth of connection we share. I've had other women since my wife left, but none of them stirred anything within me like you do. It's inexplicable, but it's there."
Sophia's gaze fell to her lap as she processed his words. The weight of the revelation hung in the air, creating a palpable tension between them. After a moment, she loo
