Chapter Ten

That night was calm and peaceful, yet Emily's thoughts were filled with chaos. She and Will sat on the sofa in his living room, illuminated only by the faint glow of a nearby lamp. The weight of the previous weeks pushed down on them, making the space seem smaller and more personal.

Will gazed at Emily, his eyes filled with both anguish and shame. "Emily," he said, just above a whisper, "I need to tell you something."

Emily turned to him, her heart breaking at the grief in his words. "What is it, Will?"

He took a big breath, as if collecting his confidence to speak. "I feel like it's all my fault. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be suffering through this."

Emily's eyes widened in amazement. "Will, don't blame yourself for this. None of this is your fault.”

Will shook his head, his face pained. "But it is, Emily." If I hadn't come into your life and fallen in love with you, you wouldn't have to cope with Victoria's machinations. "You would not be in danger."

Emily's eyes welled up w