As we continue to the dining hall in silence, I glance at Jack, his face set in a hard line. I reach for his hand, intertwining my fingers with his.
“Jack,” I say softly, “don’t let him get to you. He’s not worth it.”
He looks at me, his eyes softening. “I’m sorry, Anita. I just… I can’t stand the thought of someone trying to come between us.”
“Nothing and no one can come between us,” I reply firmly. “I love you, Jack. You have to trust that.”
He stops walking and pulls me into a gentle embrace, his arms wrapping around me. “I love you too,” he murmurs. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to protect what we have.”
I nod against his chest, feeling a sense of resolve building within me. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we’ll face them together.
As we reach the dining hall, the familiar hum of
