Chapter 26

Two months—it would pass in the blink of an eye. I could endure it. Once hope takes root, the urge to die fades. With his promise, I finally relaxed and drifted into sleep. In my dreams, I vaguely sensed him carrying me to the bathroom, but exhaustion pulled me under completely. ... When I woke the next morning, my body felt clean, the sheets beneath me had been changed, and my clothes were fresh. Wearily, I pushed myself up—only to spot a jewelry box on the nightstand. Jewelry? His? Heart pounding, I opened the box to find an exquisite pair of earrings, elegant and unique, exactly the style I adored. Was he... giving these to me? I sat frozen, a strange unease twisting inside me. Snapping the box shut, I tossed it carelessly into a drawer, my pulse erratic. What was his game? After forcing himself on me, he gifts me jewelry? Was this an apology, or... did he actually have feelings for me? They say men are creatures ruled by their baser instincts—satisfy that, and you’ve got their hear