Ruby's POV
I stared at him with a completely neutral expression.
Wait, this couldn't be what I was thinking... could it?
Elias must have read my face because he quickly said, "This is not a proposal."
Blood rushed to my cheeks instantly. The embarrassment burned through my entire body. "Of course not. I never assumed you were proposing."
"We've discussed this before, Ruby. I simply don't believe marriage is necessary. I can't see myself needing that type of commitment. That's entirely my choice, nothing to do with you."
"Right, I understand completely." I desperately wanted him to stop explaining, or for the ground to crack open and take me with it.
He grabbed my hands before I could cover my face. "But when situations require my partner's presence, I want you standing beside me. No one else."
"I get it," I whispered.
