Chapter 78: How Could You?

Maya The morning sun filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow over us. Nate held me close, our bodies entwined on the cool floor, yet the warmth we shared enveloped us both. He kept me warm… "Are you feeling any better?" His voice broke the silence as I blinked my eyes open. "A little," I replied with a soft smile. "Where's Jackson?" "He's still asleep," Nate murmured, his fingers tracing soothing patterns on my back. "I checked on him half an hour ago while you were resting. Stella and Ivy will take care of him. You don't need to worry." "I know they will," I whispered, nestling closer to him. "Thank you for being here for me." "You never have to thank me, Maya. I'll always be here," he reassured me, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. "I love you." "I love you too," I sniffled, tears pricking at my eyes. "Please don't ever leave me. I can't... I can't go back to them. They've already broken me once, Nate. It took me so long to rebuild myself, to put back the pieces the