Chapter 33: A Hug

**Aldrich’s POV** Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be fortunate enough to meet someone like Thelma Zane. She was like a rare and priceless jewel, one that had been lost and shattered into countless pieces. Yet even in her brokenness, each fragment of her sparkled with a brilliance that captivated everyone around her. Thelma was not someone who would ever admit defeat, no matter how challenging life became. She faced every trial with quiet resilience, refusing to retreat. When we first met, her heart seemed fragile, teetering on the brink of collapse. She carried herself with strength, yet I could see through her mask. Beneath the surface was a softness that left her vulnerable, a vulnerability that only someone truly observant would notice. I was grateful to have gained her trust, a gift I did not take lightly. As we spent more time together, our bond deepened. I felt privileged when she began to let me into her world, a place she had guarded so fiercely. It was