Zachary stepped forward and gently placed Sophia behind him, shielding her from Sky's gaze.

"I'm here," he said in a low, steady voice, the slight rasp from sleep still present but reassuring.

With Sky no longer in sight, Sophia remained quietly behind Zachary. She took a slow breath, trying to calm the discomfort rising in her chest.

After a brief pause, she said softly, though there was firmness in her voice. "Zachary, I'm alright. Trust me. I think I can handle this."

Zachary hesitated before turning his eyes away from Sky and back to her. His gaze was steady, filled with warmth and concern.

"Don't push yourself. If anything doesn't feel right, tell me immediately."

She nodded. Though her expression was calm, her heart had raced the moment she saw Sky. That old wave of fear returned, sudden and sharp.

But Zachary had stepped in. His presence, his scent and the warmth of his body gave her something to hold onto. Slowly, the panic subsided.

She was no longer alone.

Sky might be out of prison, but he was still under supervision. If he made another mistake, he would be taken back without hesitation.

"I'm not afraid. Let's see him together. You don't need to go in ahead of me. We're already here. If I hide now, it feels like I'm running from him," she said with a small smile.

Zachary's concern didn't fade. He reached up to gently ruffle her hair, his voice even softer than before "Just promise me you won't force yourself. I'm right here. Nothing will happen to you."

"I'm not forcing anything. I've told myself I need to face him. Only when I can look at Sky without fear will I know I've really moved forward," she replied.

Her

you, I don't think I would have made it this far. Sometimes, I still feel I don't

are more than worthy of love," Zachary stated. "What happened wasn't your fault, and you don't need to carry someone else's cruelty on

Sophia. You're one of the strongest people

her eyes before she could stop them. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words didn't

you. If this is how you want to meet him, then

even a little bit. If anyone should be nervous right now, it's Sky. He's the one who

moment, then asked, "Shall we

Let's go,"

looked up at

there with confidence, and just face Sky

"Alright."

they walked side by side toward Sky. He hadn't moved since spotting them. He stood next to his car, watching

they were close enough, all

voice composed and polite. He reached out his hand

been engaged, almost on the path

no one could have predicted that things would end

Mr. Walker," Sophia replied in the same formal

shook his hand briefly.

"Alright."

noticed the way Zachary held Sophia's hand. There was no hesitation in

her. Their engagement had been arranged. He

learned fragments of what she endured, he had looked away,

composed, Sky could tell that Zachary treated her very well. The way he looked at her was full of tenderness, love, and

followed silently behind the two of them. Once they

menu. Zachary handed it to

took the menu, then passed it to Sophia.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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