How did it take her this long to notice? She felt a rush of excitement that she couldn't quite put into words, but she knew one thing for sure: her brother was falling for Isabella. It was right there in the small, uncharacteristic way he reached out to her. She swallowed the excitement bubbling up in her chest, silently thrilled but determined to keep it to herself.
Isabella, too, felt the subtle change in the air. She could see the shift in Kian's expression, and though she didn't say anything, something inside her warmed. She was too tired, too drained to even process it fully, but the softness in his gaze made her smile, even if it was weak and fleeting.
"I'm glad you're here," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but sincere.
Kian didn't say anything in return, but the brief, tender moment spoke volumes. He simply stayed by her side, a little closer than before, offering the quiet comfort of his presence.
