CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN: Relief and Guilt

I reach out, my hand steady as it brushes against Anastasia's cheek. "Anastasia, I want to be with you, to love you fiercely and unconditionally, without anyone or anything standing between us. And I’ll make that happen, I promise."

She smiles, unshed tears shining in her hazel eyes. Before she can respond, I lean forward, my lips capturing hers in a tender kiss that speaks of promises yet to be fulfilled, of dreams waiting to be materialized.

As we part, a soft smile plays upon my lips, my gaze has an intensity that matches the fire burning within my soul. But disappointment comes to me after acknowledging the fact that our desires aren’t achievable… just not yet.

With a heavy heart, I gently take Zachary from Anastasia and say, “We gotta go. Yvanna is waiting. The longer I stay here, the more I’ll give them reason to suspect me about your absence.”

Anastasia nods, drying her eyes. “I understand. Be careful.”

“I will.”

Driving through the city streets, my mind races with thoughts