"I want to meet your family."
The words slipped from Aryan's lips so naturally that even he didn't realize their weight—until he saw Evan's startled expression.
Evan blinked, eyes widening slightly as if unsure he'd heard right. Aryan's calm yet determined gaze gave him no room to retreat.
"They're my in-laws, after all," Aryan continued softly. "It's better to meet them properly. Are they nice… or strict?"
Evan's smile faded. He lowered his eyes, voice quiet. "I don't have much attachment to my parents. My mom died when I was little… and my father—he's more like a stranger to me."
Aryan's heart tightened. For a moment, he didn't know what to say. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
Evan shook his head, a faint smile returning. "You don't need to feel sorry for me. I've lived a good life. Even when things were hard, there was always someone who cared for me. With him by my side… I learned what love truly means."
His gaze met Aryan's—warm, gentle, yet carrying a hidden ache.
