“That’s why you stopped me when my mother’s apartment was on fire, isn’t it?” Bianca asked softly, remembering that moment.

Dave nodded, his chest tightening at the memory. “That fire reminded me of the car accident, of how my parents died. I couldn’t stand the thought of you facing the same fate,” he said softly.

Bianca suddenly understood. Dave had been carrying this heavy burden all along.

It explained why he stopped her that day and why he couldn’t follow her into the flames. He had been battling deep fears and trauma, an invisible wall he couldn’t break through.

“Have you ever thought…” Bianca looked up, meeting his deep, troubled...