Zachary's POV

Zach expressed his feelings honestly, longing for her presence beside him, yet he understood the necessity of patience; it was something he would have to embrace. She was deserving of the time. It was an experience unlike any other, almost surreal in its essence. It was genuine and profound, and having the opportunity to feel it was a true honor.

He was not the only one experiencing those emotions; he had noticed it in her eyes too; he understood that she harbored feelings for him, even desire. That provided him with a glimmer of hope. Following her attack and subsequent recovery, he realized that she could no longer...