Chapter 141: Inevitable Risks

Nikolai's kiss was slow and tender, each touch of his lips lingering as though he was savoring the very essence of her. Ophelia's eyes fluttered shut, and she placed her hand on his shoulders, clutching them gently as a soft gasp escaped her lips. The pressure of his kiss increased gradually until Nikolai broke the contact, exhaling deeply into her mouth before resting his forehead against hers, eyes closed in a moment of shared intimacy. He pondered over the turning point of their lives—how different things might have been if he hadn't arrived at that crucial moment. Listening to the rapid rhythm of her breathing and the steady beat of her heart, Nikolai’s fingers brushed gently against her face. "Are you in any pain?" he asked softly. Ophelia mumbled, "No." Nikolai's voice was filled with regret as he murmured, "I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner." He pressed his lips to hers once more, a kiss that conveyed all the feelings he couldn’t put into words. Ophelia’s grip on his shoulders