Chapter 57

We will grow old together.

She held onto that promise, even when dark thoughts poisoned her heart and mind. She buried her nose in the pillow Rhobart used. After her last nightmare, Rhobart moved into her room. His scent lingered on the pillow, and Ayla inhaled deeply.

Minutes after Milton left, the door opened. Ayla lifted her head to see who had entered without knocking. She stopped breathing when she saw Rhobart standing in the doorway. She thought she felt her soul reaching for him. Only for him.

He stood there. Looking at her. Drinking her in. He said nothing as he stared at her, his hands in his pockets.

When Ayla was starting to think she was looking at a statue, Rhobart finally moved. He closed and locked the door before walking slowly towards the bed.

Ayla rose from the bed. He was like a magnet, pulling her to him. She met him halfway.

He cupped her cheeks and wiped her tears with his thumbs. “I am sorry for how I acted earlier. I should never have yelled at you.”

“Did