CHAPTER 20

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GENEVIEVE

I awoke slowly, the morning light filtering through the curtains and casting a soft glow over the room. My head ached slightly, and as I shifted, I felt a warmth enveloping me.

Blinking my eyes open, I realized I was nestled in Roman's arms. My heart skipped a beat, and I widened my eyes in shock as the events of the previous night flooded back to me.

I had spent the night with my stepsister's fiancé.

Panic surged through me as I sat up quickly, disentangling myself from Roman's embrace. The sudden movement jostled him awake, and he groggily opened his eyes, a sleepy smile forming on his lips as he reached for me.

I, however, was already halfway off the bed, my mind racing with guilt and confusion.

"I have to go,"

I whispered, my voice trembling as I swung my legs over the side of the bed and began to stand.

Roman's hand shot out, catching my wrist and pulling me back with surprising strength.

"Wait, Genevieve,"

he said, his voice still thick with sleep.

"Don't