Paityn was indeed afraid. She had loved Jamie, and she feared that this kind of interaction might make her unconsciously fall for him again. She was terrified of becoming that kind of woman.

Paityn struggled to deny it, insisting that she didn’t feel that way. However, it was clear that Jamie didn’t believe her.

He gazed into her eyes and slowly spoke, “Why won’t you admit that you don’t actually like Monty? Marrying him was just a way for you to escape reality and avoid being hurt by me again.

"What if I promise not to anger or hurt you anymore, Paityn? What if I treat you like I did tonight? Would you still choose Monty over me and marry him?”

Paityn didn't know. She shook her head rapidly, but Jamie wouldn’t give her the chance to escape. He held her hand tightly, and his eyes were filled with an emotion she couldn't quite understand.

Paityn thought she must be imagining things. How could Jamie have such a look in his eyes?

What she saw more was sadness. They had many year