Tears and self-destruction.

Lily

As I lay down that night, surrounded by the comforting embrace of darkness, my mind couldn't help but replay the events of the day, especially the way Noah had looked at me when he came earlier. His gaze, filled with an intensity I couldn't quite decipher, seemed to penetrate right through me, stirring emotions I had long buried deep within. It was as if his eyes held the unspoken words of love, silently confessing what his lips dared not utter.

Yet, despite the undeniable truth of his affection, a heavy weight settled in the pit of my stomach. Noah was committed to another woman, and no matter how deeply he cared for me, I couldn't bring myself to come between them. The thought of being the cause of heartache and turmoil tore at my conscience. I knew all too well the pain of betrayal, and I couldn't bear to inflict that upon someone else, especially not someone I cared about.

But oh, how my heart ached with the knowledge of his love! The tender moments we shared, the stolen glan