In the glow of the night, love’s spark flickers between healing and temptation.

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Lily’s POV

“What truly happened in your past?” I pressed gently. “With Daniel?”

Alex’s gaze dropped, his jaw tightening. He searched my eyes for a moment, deliberating whether to speak or not.

Finally he sighed. “Daniel…he was ruthless. Ambitious to a fault. He wanted me to succeed, no matter the cost.”

There was a pain buried deep in his voice, one he’d been carrying alone for years. I lowered my voice. “What do you mean?”

Alex’s eyes met mine, filled with torment. “He tortured me, Lily. Emotionally. Physically. He believed that to be the best, I...