Chapter 96

• The image of Nicholas—so magnificent in body yet isolated in emotion—as he stands there with water running in rivulets down the artfully sculpted lines of his body overwhelms Annabelle with sadness. The anguish that radiates off of him in waves is so tangible she can feel the oppressive weight of it as she walks up to him. She leans against the wall next to where he presses his hands. The scalding water that ricochets off of him tickles her skin. Indecision reappears as she reaches out to touch him but pulls back, not wanting to startle him in his already fragile state.
• After some time, Nicholas lifts his head and opens his eyes. He. gasps audibly at the sight of Annabelle standing before him. Shock, humiliation, and regret flash fleetingly through his eyes before he lowers them for a beat. When he raises them back to her, the uncensored pain that Annabelle sees in their depths renders her speechless.
• They stand there like this—motionless, wordless, and staring into the uncharted depths of each other for some time. A silent exchange that fixes nothing and yet explains so much.