EPILOGUE I

RUE

I used to doubt love. I used to think that it was just a distraction, something that got in the way of real goals and messed with your head. Growing up, I saw too many relationships fall apart and people getting hurt, including my family. So, I promised myself I wouldn't let that happen to me.

Focus on work, keep emotions in check—that was my rule.

Then I met Tysha on that one special night in Eventide Cabaret.

Everything changed. She wasn't like anyone else I'd ever known. There was something about her that drew me in.

At first, I fought it. I told myself it was just a phase and that I'd get over it.

But the more time I spent with her, the more I realized she wasn't a distraction. She was exactly what I needed—she set fire to my sleeping lust.

“Every time I walk you to your room, it leads to lovemaking,” I whispered in between our kisses.

Right after she accepted my not-so-spontaneous proposal, she pulled me into her room to continue our kissing session.

“Next time, you won’t