"As long as I have you by my side, nothing else matters," Charles murmurs, his rough thumb caressing the back of my hand. "The material comes and goes, but our souls' profound connection is eternal, my love. We will endure this trial as we have all the others - together."
I manage a tremulous smile at his steadfast resolve, drawing strength from the solidity of his reassuring presence. Even in the face of being stripped of all worldly status and possessions by my father's vindictive machinations, Charles' core remains unshaken, anchored by his devotion.
"You're right," I whisper, leaning across the table to press my forehead against his, breathing in his earthy, comforting scent. "No matter what that cruel man takes from us, he'll never be able to extinguish the blazing truth in our hear
