Father's Return

"Lily, you don't love him, do you?" Alex gently cupped her face in his hands, his fingertips brushing away the tears on her cheeks with the utmost care.

Him?

Ethan Blackwood?

No, she didn't love him. How could anyone love a man who had violated them? Even if, at times, her mind drifted back to thoughts of him...

That's just habit, Lily told herself.

"If you're only worried that you're not good enough for me, that's unnecessary." Alex gazed at her with deep affection. "I love you for who you are. Don't overthink things. Just forget the past, okay?"

The fresh scent of mint from Alex surrounded her, a comforting fragrance that put her at ease.

The sincerity and determination in Alex's eyes stirred something inside her.

"Okay."

With her mind made up, Lily stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Alex, embracing him.