“No more ‘what ifs’,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble in his chest. “Just trust me, okay? Just give this year a chance. And I’ll show you why I’m never letting you go.”

Aniya’s body melts into his, her tension and anxiety slowly seeping away as she sinks into his embrace. Her fingers clutch at the fabric of his shirt, as if trying to hold onto him for dear life.