章 112: CHAPTER 112: Be Careful With Your Heart

　　Alexander's words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. My heart lurched in my chest, a painful ache spreading through me. Leaving him again? He thought I was…leaving? The realization hit me like a physical blow. He'd thought I was leaving him without a trace, just like Nicola had said Ava had done after his accident.

　　A wave of guilt washed over me, quickly followed by a surge of protectiveness. I stole a closer look at him. The dark circles under his eyes, more prominent than usual, spoke volumes. Sleep deprivation etched lines on his face that hadn't been there before. He hadn't slept a wink last night?

　　Our eyes locked, and for a long moment, we stared at each other, a silent conversation passing between us. It was clear that he was still angry, yes, with me for knowing about the engagement plot and keeping quiet. But beneath the anger, there was something else, a vulnerability that tugged at my heartstrings.