When love turns to ashes
Eyes that held no shadow of manipulation, no hint of dominance or power play—just a quiet, steady sincerity.
“I love you, June,” Xander continued, the words falling like leaves from a tree, unforced and true. “I really do. And all I need is a chance. Just one—to show you that you matter more to me than you’ll ever know.”
June opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
Her heart was thudding, fast and heavy. Everything inside her screamed for calm, for distance, for walls. But something in his tone the way he said “love,” the way he didn’t rush her or try to paint himself a hero made those walls tremble.