I feel Brandon’s presence, sitting on the sofa across from me. It’s just like every time we speak of something serious. “I’m listening.”“Drake… He was my, um, first love,” I begin.“I’m aware,” Brandon whispers roughly.“Well, he was very different from when I first met him. He was pure, very kind, and optimistic—a man full of dreams. He was in my class. I saw him every day, watched him eat, how he spoke in front of the class, and how he was so smart. So basically, everyone liked him.“Of course, including me. It was easy to fall for him. I was crazy about him, and since he was also close to Jason, I had enough time to be with him. He’d walk me every day after school, but he didn’t talk much about his life until I saw it with my own eyes. The turning point. His father was physically abusing him. That was when I knew I always wanted to be there with him. I confessed my feelings, and he felt the same about me.”Honestly, those are the moments I still cherish in my memory. It was the wa

I walk by the beach for a short while to catch up with Chris. Oliver and Jason are following us from behind at a distance as we stroll by the shore.“I didn’t want to leave. We had no other choice,” Chris explains.“I heard. Your parents left you quite a fortune you didn’t know about until Arianna reached the legal age.”“It’s not that our dad’s lawyer hid it.” He shrugs. “He needed no complications. He waited for Arianna to turn eighteen. Of course, there’s no point in complaining. We thought it was for the best. You should have your future too.”I chuckle. “Well, I did. At least.”“You have your own restaurant now.”“Yes, but it doesn’t mean it won’t happen if you don’t leave. Chris, you could’ve tried to contact me, but you cut off all communications,” I defend. “I got over it. I know what happened. Are you not a part of the gang?”“Hell no.” His eyes slightly dilate. “I can never pull that off. I wasn’t in favor of Jason’s schemes at first, especially if Drake’s the one who influe

“Lydia,” Brandon greets the elderly woman standing at the villa’s front door with three attendants behind her.“I thought this wasn’t planned,” I remark, frowning at Brandon.“Alayna, it’s great to see you again,” she greets me first, smiling so sweetly, then answers my question, “Master Brandon called us only a few hours ago.”I hug her immediately. “I’ve missed you, too, Lydia! It’s been a long time.”She strokes my back before releasing me. “Very well. Dinner will be served shortly, but we’ve already prepared your room. I think you should rest first,” she suggests politely. “And if you need something else, just ask the maids.”“That’s all for now, Lydia. Thank you.” Brandon then grabs my hand. “Come.”“I’ll see you later.” I smile at Lydia.Brandon isn’t talking and is still tugging me along with him to the stairs, toward the room we used before. A lot has changed in the house. The bed is new, the furniture and lighting are brighter than before, and all curtains are open; I can see

No, I can’t do this with him. It is already too much to share a part of me that I tried so hard to bury—let alone relive it. I won’t survive it this time.“If I understand correctly, you want me to show how Drake ruined me? Is that what you want to say?” I say incredulously.Brandon nods. “Yes.”“You’re just as insane if you ask me to relive every terrible memory!” I point a finger. My insides burn, and I feel the heat around my neck.“I’m not trying to hurt you or force you, Alayna.”I shove his shoulder away and stand up. “I can’t believe you.” I embrace myself. “You, of all people, should understand what I’ve been going through. You went through hardships before. You knew how it felt, and you’re making me relive everything.” I snivel back my tears.Brandon’s presence moves behind me and grasps my arms. His fingertips softly press on my flesh. “It’s not like that,” he whispers. “I’m telling you now that it’s not.”He then presses a small kiss on my cheek, close to my ear, then down

I breathe hard as I feel my next one until Brandon stops. He moves up to kiss my forehead. I smell my scent in his mouth.“You okay?” he asks.“Very much so.”“Tired?”“I am. Thank you very much for that too.”His eyes sparkle as he chortles. “You’re welcome.”“You know, I think I finally understand,” I start.“Really?” He rests his elbow on the cushion to watch me at ease, then pulls the blanket up to cover our bodies with it, then begins to stroke my hair.“I’m not there yet, but I will be.” I gaze into his mesmerizing gray eyes, thinking how fortunate I am that he’s mine—thankful that a man like him chose me. “I understand now. I don’t have to hide anymore. Brandon, we started this relationship full of secrets, and that’s what held us back. Can I be more open? Can I trust myself with you? Can I finally trust myself fully to be with someone?”“Darling, you don’t have to ask. I would like to be more open with you too.” He nods, agreeing.“We’ll tell each other what we do every day. I