Chapter 109

Nicole lay beside Liam, the warmth of his body enveloping her. She woke up the next morning, her eyes fluttering open to find him still peacefully asleep. A mixture of contentment and fear washed over her. As the remnants of her dreams faded away, her past traumas clawed their way back into her consciousness. The memories of Crimson, the abuse she endured, surged forward like a relentless tide. It was a part of her she couldn't shake off, no matter how much she wished she could. Guilt gnawed at Nicole's heart as she admitted to herself the truth she had been avoiding— she was attracted to Liam. In the depths of her being, she felt an undeniable pull towards him. But that same attraction sparked her fears, igniting a fire of doubt within her. How could she trust him? How could she let herself be vulnerable again? The memories of their previous encounters still haunted her. Liam had been distant, even cold, unaware of the torment she had endured in Crimson. His initial treatment of her h