CHAPTER 112: The Burning

“I brought it home so we could burn it,” I say, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.

Desiree blinks, clearly caught off guard. “What?”

“I brought it home so we could set it on fire,” I repeat, stepping closer to her. “Together. I want you to see that I’m serious. That none of this means anything without you. That I’m willing to fight for you. For us.”

She stares at me for a long moment, her anger slowly giving way to something else—something softer, more vulnerable. I can see the uncertainty in her eyes, the part of her that’s still afraid to trust me, afraid that this is just another empty gesture. But I mean it this time. I have changed. I need her to believe that.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, she nods. “Okay.”

I grab a lighter from the dresser and hand it to her. Together, we kneel by the fireplace, and I hold the document up as she flicks the lighter on. The flame dances in her eyes, and for a moment, we just stare at each other, nei