Lorenzo

I couldn't shake off Eva's words. "At least I still have a chance with you." They echoed in my mind, stirring emotions I'd rather keep dormant, buried deep beneath the surface.

But it's impossible, I reminded myself. Our relationship was just a facade, with a contract binding us together in a web of deceit.

I gazed at Eva, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. My instincts screamed at me to comfort her, to wipe away her tears and tell her everything would be alright. But I hardened my heart purposely, steeling myself against the storm of emotions that threatened to break through my carefully constructed walls.

"Don't ever think...