Chapter 98

Xavier

“I hope these words help jog your memory. But Ren, please know I would never hurt you.” The soft glow of the lamp envelops us as she nods, her eyes filled with trust. As I pass her the book, our fingers brush, sending a tingle down my spine. It kills me that this fleeting touch is the only physical connection we can share.

“I... I know,” she smiles warmly at me, the corners of her lips lifting ever so slightly. In that moment, a glimmer of hope ignites within me, like a tiny flame flickering to life. With delicate hands, she takes the books from me, their weight transferring from my palms to hers. As she flips through the pages, the sound of paper rustling fills the room, a soft whisper that mingles with the hushed anticipation hanging in the air. Her eyes fixate on certain photos, her gaze lingering on them for what feels like an eternity. I watch intently, wondering if those images hold the power to jog her memory.

“Xavier? Please, can you not hover,” she states, her voice