Chapter 17

"What?"

"For the first time in fifteen years, I remember what it feels like to be alive. That's worth fighting for."

His kiss is soft, reverent, terrified. "Come back to me."

"I will."

The walk to the penthouse feels like walking to my execution. Every step echoes in the empty lobby, each floor the elevator climbs another nail in my coffin.

But when the doors open to our apartment, I'm surprised by what I find.

Candles. Dozens of them, creating a soft romantic glow throughout the living room. A bottle of expensive wine breathing on the counter. Soft music playing from the hidden speakers.

And Alexander, standing by the windows in dark slacks and an open shirt, looking more relaxed than I've seen him in months.

"Sophia." His smile is warm, genuine, terrifying. "I knew you'd come back."

"Alexander, I—"

"Shh." He crosses to me, taking my coat with practiced ease. "No apologies necessary. I understand. Derek has always been... persuasive. And I've been neglecting you shamefully."

The comp