With a heavy heart, she followed him to the elevator, then spoke calmly but firmly, "Lance, you’re young. I understand your feelings, but I’m not the one for you. Since you’ve done your research, there’s no point in hiding it. I like Alaric. He’s mature, steady, and we had a great time last night."

She mentioned Alaric, hoping it would discourage him, thinking Lance would finally back off.

Instead, he stepped even closer, leaning his arm against the car beside her. "Ms. Greene, what if I told you Alaric doesn’t love you? We all know he still holds onto memories of the woman who saved his life. To him, you’re...