The moonlight filtered through the window, casting an eerie glow over Kaden's study. He sat hunched over his desk, fingers tangled in his tousled hair, his brow furrowed in a deep frown.

"What have I done?" he muttered, his voice laced with anguish.

Memories of Elena's tear-stained face flooded his mind, the betrayal and heartbreak etched into her delicate features. He could still hear the echo of her sobs as he'd torn their child from her arms, the desperate pleas for him to reconsider falling on deaf ears.

Kaden slammed his fist against the desk, the impact reverberating through the room. "I was a fool, blinded by rage and mistrust."...