Chapter 55: Mine.

Ermanno's reaction caught Celine completely off guard. Instead of anger, he pulled her in, his strong hands encircling her neck, his lips crashing against hers with a ferocity that stole her breath away.

The kiss was raw, filled with a heady mix of emotions—anger, pain, stress, and an undeniable passion. Celine responded in kind, pouring her heart and soul into the kiss.

When they parted, Ermanno's fingertips wiped away the tears that had gathered in the corners of her eyes. His face was a map of desperation and devotion, a plea for understanding.

“I missed you.”

Ermanno's arms wrapped around her, his body radiating warmth and strength. "I missed you too, Celine," he whispered, his voice achingly tender.

Celine's defenses crumbled in his embrace, and she melted into his arms, her heart breaking. "Everything is just so hard," she mumbled, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I don't know what to do."

As Ermanno sat in front of her, his eyes held a gentle understanding.

"I'm sorry about slap