"For several months, I want to test your loyalty and honesty to know if you really love me and truly want to be with me," Ivan began.
Aria's expression shifted, clearly ready to argue, but she stayed silent, likely because he had already cut her off earlier and asked whether she would let him speak or not.
So Ivan continued. "We can call each other boyfriend and girlfriend just to make it clear to others that we're already taken. but there won't be anything intimate between us."
"How is that even testing whether I really love you and want to be with you?"Aria finally interrupted, disbelief evident in her voice. "Not even kissing? Not even touching or holding hands?"
"We can hold hands in public," Ivan clarified, "but not in private. And I haven't finished explaining the terms yet, so let me finish before you ask questions." He forced himself to remain calm as he spoke.
