I AM A MAGE BUT WITH MILF SYSTEM

“I never thought I could run from any of this,” she continued. “I know what this alliance means for the family. I know what is expected of me. I even know that, in many ways, I am fortunate. But knowing all of that never stopped the days from feeling heavy. What I wanted was never an escape. I only wanted to believe that if the weight became too much, there would still be somewhere I could turn without being told to endure it more gracefully.”

At last she glanced back at him. The blush had not fully left her face, but joined with it was something softer and calmer.

“So when you say that,” she whispered, “it means more than you probably intended.”

Julian smiled at her.

Even under the faint light of the balcony lamps, he could see the changes in her. Her tense shoulder had eased by a lot and the weight that clung to her posture seemed to have lessen its hold, even if it was by a little.

Vanessa held his gaze for a moment longer. Then, as if gathering her courage, she spoke again.

“And I am glad,” she said, “that you have such feelings for me.”

She paused, choosing the next word carefully.

“Otherwise… I would never dare to do something like this.”

Before Julian could answer, she closed the distance herself, tipped her chin upward, and rose onto her toes.

For a brief second she seemed to doubt whether she should go through with it or not.

…

Then she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.