Gavin's eyes were beautiful, and although part of it was because of the irises that resembled two shining ponds, what captivated me most was their sincerity. Now, however, they conveyed a different message. The CEO of Urus, my host and full-time caregiver, had admitted his feelings for me. And now it was time for... me to admit mine. But could I do it?

It seemed so right to say the words that would completely change our relationship, but it also seemed so wrong. For various reasons, including the fact that Donovan was in the equation. Would that night remain between us, or would he tell his best friend immediately?

I didn't want to hurt Donovan, and obviously, I didn't want to hurt Gavin. What would I do?

I sighed. Then I said:

"I... I'm in love with you too, Gavin."

His expression quickly changed, as if he was making a huge effort not to jump up and scream with happiness. However, I needed to complete the information to avoid being misunderstood.

"But..."

Once again, his expression changed, becoming more neutral and curious. He was so transparent... Or was I just very good at reading people's faces?

"... I'm also... in love with Donovan."

As soon as I finally said it, I felt as if the words had hit Gavin's chest hard. He said nothing. In fact, his gaze was fixed on the wall in front of us. He seemed to have difficulty processing the information. I shrank against the headboard, full of guilt and shame, but I couldn't just hide this from him. The least I owed such a special man was honesty, even if it was difficult at first.

The beautiful man with the kindest heart I had ever known finally seemed to understand. Then he looked at me again and took my hand.

"How long?"

"Huh?"

"How long have you been in love with me... and with him?"

I felt my cheeks burn, so I looked away and replied:

"I... I don't know. I can't think of a date."

"I see," his voice was deep and calm. "Does he know?"

"No," I replied quickly. "I've never told him."

"So... On that day of the party, you two didn't... talk?"

"No. I still couldn't speak, so..."

"You two seemed... strange."

The conversation was difficult and made me feel very embarrassed. It must be awkward for him too, but I knew it was absolutely necessary for us to talk. We couldn't hide anything from each other anymore, for both our sakes.

However, talking about what happened that day seemed like very personal information; too intimate. I couldn't talk about Donovan's feelings like that to Gavin; it would be hugely disrespectful. Not to mention that I would probably have to talk to him about my feelings as well. And I wouldn't talk about what Gavin had confessed to me, keeping the necessary confidentiality to avoid any kind of conflict between the friends.

"I think we were just nervous about being together for so long," I lied, feeling horrible for the brief seconds I said the phrase. I hated doing that, but if they wanted to talk about their feelings, I shouldn't be the cause of it.

He seemed to sense the lie, but also the reason behind it. Then he caressed the hand he was holding, nodding to encourage me to continue.

"... You said I didn't need to worry about this, that I could stay here until I recovered."

"And I was absolutely sincere in every word."

"I know. But won't it be... uncomfortable for you?"

"No discomfort in the world is greater than the possible guilt of you suffering somewhere far from me, Amanda. Stay, and I'll continue to take care of you as I always have."

"You're not upset?"

"I..." he played with my fingers and looked away, then back at me. "I confess I'm unsettled. I'm happy to know my feelings for you are reciprocated. Actually, that's not the right word. I'm... overjoyed. Euphoric. And... It was definitely not in my dreams to hear that you also have feelings for Donovan." He sighed. "But I hope you know that I will never use this against you, nor will I treat you differently because of it."

"I'm so sorry," I said quietly.

"Don't do that," he gently took my chin, almost making me cry. "Don't apologize for having such beautiful feelings in a heart that has suffered so much. I won't force you into anything, Amanda. I'm here to take care of you, and all you have to do is relax and let me do everything."

"But..."

"No buts," he interrupted with a delicate and gentle peck, a quick and light touch. "I already said nothing has changed. You don't owe me anything. Just knowing that a part of you feels as happy with me as I feel with you... That makes me happier than you can imagine. And you're not a hundred percent recovered yet, you're not ready to make any decisions. It's okay."

Gavin gave me several little kisses on the cheek, nose, and corner of my mouth. I closed my eyes, savoring every detail of the enormous affection he was showering on me. A man who was not only special but knew exactly what to say to calm me down.

I confess, however, that the words "you're not a hundred percent recovered yet and you're not ready to make any decisions" kept spinning in my mind. Did that mean that once I managed to overcome all those traumas, I would have to make a choice? It was fair, but it seemed impossible to me.

How could I choose between two men who would shake the stars for me? How could I choose between the two promises of paradise they both offered me in every look, every touch, and every word?

As I received Gavin's gentle kisses, I thought to myself that only time could bring me to a satisfactory answer.