The cold water cascaded over Zachary's body as he remained still, reflecting on the events that had just unfolded moments earlier. Scarlett still loved him, yet she was uncertain about her desire to be with him. The feeling was both painful and pleasant. Her feelings for the other man were more profound than he thought and more intense than he anticipated. Her love for him remained, and that was the foundation upon which he had to build everything. To win her back, he needed to maintain his belief. No matter the actions required, he was determined to reclaim his queen for himself.

He intended to share Shadow's plan with her,...