I will become strong too

"Sit here," Lucius said, his hand patting the mattress beside him, a silent invitation for Layla to join him. She hesitated for a moment before settling down, her fingers absentmindedly fiddling in her lap as her mind raced with questions. What could he possibly want to say?

To her surprise, Lucius gently pulled her into his embrace, his warmth immediately soothing her nerves. "I should have considered your feelings more," he began in a low voice. "I've never been in love before, and marrying the woman I liked led me to handle things in my own way. I'm sorry for that."

Layla blinked slowly, his unexpected words striking something deep within her. The vulnerability in his apology moved her in a way she hadn't anticipated. "It's fine," she whispered.