Chapter 181

Vivian looked at the flicker of disappointment in Alexander’ eyes, listening as he let out that quiet, almost pitiful complaint. After a moment, she gave a soft sigh. “I’ve always been right here.” “You just didn’t want to believe it.” She’d never even let another guy get near her, not like that. His insecurity, all that paranoia—it came straight from that deep-rooted lack of security inside him. That kidnapping six years ago? It pretty much wiped out his trust in anyone. All that torture and humiliation from the kidnappers? It messed with his ability to tell who to trust. And then he chose to follow a guy like Eli Sullivan around? That just twisted everything up even more. Cold. Suspicious. Distant. Acting like he’s above the world. That’s who Alexander became. He got stronger, sure. But also way more fragile. Nobody else could hurt him—but the one person who could break him the fastest? Was himself. Just like in their last life. If he hadn’t wrecked himself like that, he never would’