TESSA'S POV

The world seemed to be tilted on Nathan's appearance. Nathan's sudden appearance, his warm embrace, it was the unexpected solution I desperately craved. He stood as a shield, a wall between me and Adrian's possessive gaze. Relief washed over me, mingled with a jolt of something else, something I couldn't quite define. Fear? Sadness? Happiness? I didn't quite understand myself these days.

Before I could untangle the knot of emotions twisting in my head, Nathan pulled back, his smile wide and genuine as he looked at me with...Love? Or admiration?

"Tessa! You still look incredible, even in this… situation. I'm glad you're doing quite well, sorry I couldn't...