Vansh ran a hand through his hair, frustration and something softer battling in his eyes as he looked at Pearl.
"I hate that I love you," he admitted, voice rough and low, almost a growl."All this time—every fight, every lie, every scar between us—I was trying to keep away from you. Because loving you felt like the biggest betrayal to myself."
He took a shaky breath, struggling to keep his emotions in check."You were my enemy… and somehow, you became the only one I couldn't live without."
Pearl stared at him, stunned, her own defenses crumbling.
Vansh voice cracked, honesty raw and unguarded."I hate how much I need you. How much you've broken down every wall I built around my heart."
He closed the distance slowly, eyes searching hers."Maybe that's the cruelest twist of all."
A silence hung heavy—charged, vulnerable.
Pearl's voice was barely more than a breath."Maybe… but I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."
Vansh's lips twitched into a bittersweet smile."Good. Because I'm done fighting it."
Pearl stepped closer, her eyes soft but steady, reaching up to touch Vansh's cheek gently.
"It's been a long road, hasn't it?" she whispered.
He nodded, voice low and vulnerable."The longest. But maybe the hardest battles are the ones worth fighting."
Her fingers traced the line of his jaw, a small smile tugging at her lips."Enemies to lovers… sounds like a story I want to believe in."
Vansh breath hitched, a mix of relief and hope shining in his eyes."Then let's write the next chapter together."
They stood there, close enough to feel each other's heartbeat, letting the world outside fade away for just a moment.
Vansh smiled softly, his fingers gently brushing Pearl's hair away from her face.
"You know," he murmured, voice full of awe and something like reverence,"you really are the elegant pearl of my life."
Pearl's cheeks flushed, a small, genuine smile blooming as she met his gaze.
"Maybe I am," she teased lightly, her eyes sparkling with warmth."But don't let it go to your head."
He chuckled quietly, the tension between them easing, replaced by something deeper—hope, love, and the promise of what could be.