Chapter One hundred and Nine

Allegra’s Pov

For a moment, neither of us speaks; the weight of our unresolved issues lingers in the air like a heavy fog.

Finally, I break the silence, my voice steady but filled with emotion. “Xander, I want you to know that I understand why you're so overprotective,” I begin, my eyes locked with his. “But it's important for you to understand how it makes me feel—like I'm incapable of taking care of myself, like you don't trust me.”

He listens intently, his expression softening with each word. “Allegra, I never meant to make you feel that way,” he says sincerely, reaching out to take my hand in his. “I just…I can't help but worry about you. You mean everything to me, and I can't bear the thought of something happening to you.”

I squeeze his hand, feeling a swell of affection for him despite our differences. “I know, Xander,” I reply gently, my voice filled with understanding. “And I appreciate your concern. But I need you to trust me—to trust that I can take care of myself and ma