"I mean, you heard me clearly. I will pay for your mother’s hospital bills." Anthony repeated the words slowly, ensuring they landed. Anna’s hand trembled as she wiped a stray tear from her cheek.
"You really don't have to do that," she whispered, her voice thick. "I don’t want to owe you anything."
Anthony’s lips pulled into a faint, unreadable smile. He stepped closer, his thumb tracing the curve of her cheekbone. "I’m doing this because I want to, Anna. No strings. No debts." He tilted her chin up. "And stop the crying. It’s hard to see how beautiful you are when your eyes are all red."
A small, genuine laugh broke through her tension. She held his gaze for a long beat, searching for the catch, but found only warmth.
"Thank you," she breathed. "This means... everything." Her fingers
