Chapter 69

"Have I ever told you about my dad?" Ryan asked Adrienne, gently patting her back as she lay against his chest.

"No, you've never mentioned him before, and I've never asked," Adrienne replied, her tone filled with curiosity.

"I'm sorry," Ryan chuckled, but the laughter quickly turned into pain as the memories of his recent beatings resurfaced, causing his face to ache. "Ow," he winced.

"Sorry, dear. Would you like an ice pack? Maybe some ointment?" Adrienne offered, her worry evident in her voice.

"Nah, I don't want you to move," Ryan replied, quickly dismissing her concerns. He cherished the way their bodies were entwined and the comforting rhythm of her heartbeat against his chest. He didn't want anything to disturb this moment.

Contentedly, he sighed and planted a gentle kiss on her head.

"Before all this luxury, my family and I were living as church rats. We were poor. The only time I truly felt alive was during my university years. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to rec