Erwin sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the floor as Ayesha slowly approached. "I want you to give me something," she whispered softly. Her hand reached for Erwin's arm, feeling the rough, dry skin that was once soft and warm against her side. Erwin turned his head with a blank stare, but there was a small glint in his eyes as if there was a part of him that still recognized Ayesha. He touched her cheek, wiping away the tears that had accidentally fallen. "I know you might not understand, but this is the last time. I just want a memory. The only thing I can remember from us." What is the next?

"You think scoring first place in an exam means you deserve my daughter?" Thomas Sinclair’s voice cut through the grand living room, sharp and heavy with disdain. He leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes locking onto me like a predator sizing up its prey. The air smelled of expensive leather and aged whiskey, a room built for intimidation. I met his gaze without flinching. "No," I said evenly. "I don’t think that at all." His thick brows furrowed. "Then why are you here?" I glanced at the antique clock on the wall. It was the exact moment in my past life when I had sat in this same chair, my hands clenched into fists, nodding meekly as Thomas dictated the terms of my future. I had been desperate, foolishly in love, willing to endure any humiliation to be with Scarlett. Not this time.