Mika knew he had given Nadia an opportunity to breathe, a lifeline to clutch so she wouldn't implode completely over her shameful actions.
That was why he had spun that convenient narrative about her "playing along."
It was enough to keep her from staying tense and terrified all the time.
But he couldn't leave it at that.
If he did, Nadia would convince herself that she was the only one who had any feelings toward him, while he had done everything purely out of filial duty.
She would lock away her desires, suppress them behind that familiar mask, and convince herself that the status quo was acceptable.
That wouldn't do.
He needed to throw out bait—something that would stir her emotions and hint at the possibility of a relationship.
Basically, instead of letting the pool stay still, he had to keep stirring it. Keep pushing the situation toward the more taboo state he needed.
So while hugging her, he suddenly let out a deep, exhausted sigh and slumped against her.
