Chapter 36 Heartbroken!

Next morning,

I wake up to the soft morning light streaming through the curtains. As I open my eyes, I find Alice sleeping wrapped in my arms, resting her head on my chest. Her peaceful face brings a warmth to my heart that I’ve never experienced before. I smile as I brush a strand of hair away from her face, wanting to preserve this moment forever.

I want to arise every morning like this, holding her in my arms. So now I’ll do what I truly desire.

“I won't hurt you anymore, Alice.” As I place a soft kiss on her head, she snuggles up into my arms like a baby and brings a bright smile to my face.

I stroke her hair, cherishing the calmness of the moment. She transformed me completely. I used to revel in control and dominance, finding pleasure in exerting power over others. But she, with her kindness and innocence, has shown me a different path. She awakened my dormant empathy and shattered the walls I had built around myself.

As I watch Alice sleep peacefully in my arms, I think back to