Chapter 96

• She looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I'm sorry, but when you touched me… it brought back Dante's cruel memories I’m not ready to face yet."
• Zander’s heart sank, understanding dawning on him. “I’m so sorry,” he said gently, his voice filled with empathy. “I didn’t mean to push you. I just got caught up in the moment.”
• Aria took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I need time. I need to heal from what happened before.”