It took several minutes before Lyon finally released me. He looked down at me and said, "You've lost weight. Andre told me you were sick, but I couldn't see you. Was it really tough on you?"

I shook my head. "It was a bit hard at first, but I'm almost better now."

Looking at my lightly made-up face, Lyon could tell I was saying that to avoid worrying him. When we used to meet, I never wore makeup—just my natural face. Makeup was either for looking pretty or just to enhance one's appearance.

A wave of tenderness washed over him as he softly said, "Sofia, I'm sorry. I wasn't strong...