Amber wrapped her arms around Stefan, pressing herself against him in a gentle embrace. She could feel the tension in his muscles, the way his body remained rigid even in her comforting hold.

"Stefan," she whispered, her voice soft and soothing, "please, let’s forget about the flowers and this so-called secret admirer."

Stefan’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he looked down at her. He was a man who thrived on control, and who needed to be in command of every aspect of his life. The idea that someone else, some faceless admirer, was intruding on his marriage made his blood boil. It was the feeling of being undermined, of...