“Adrian, stop forcing yourself!” Deviana’s voice broke through the hospital room. She stood by the bedside, eyes blazing with anger and worry.

Adrian, propped up with an IV line, stared at her sharply. “I can’t stop, Deviana. Every time I see Raka near you, I feel—” He paused, drawing a heavy breath. “I feel like he’s going to take you from me.”

Deviana closed her eyes, fighting back tears. “You’re wrong. No one can take me if I don’t want to be taken. But your behavior… it pushes me farther away.”

Adrian bowed his head, his fingers clenching the blanket. “Maybe I’m just terrified of losing you a second time.”...