ANCHOR OF HEARTS

Zane unzipped Selina's dress slightly to slide down the sleeve from her slender shoulder, ensuring he addressed her wound properly. He retrieved a gauze pad and pressed it against the cut to stop the bleeding before she could lose too much blood. His touch was clinical and efficient, yet beneath it was an unspoken gentleness as he tended to her injury. As he wrapped bandages around her arm, curiosity got the better of him. “Why take such a painful step?” he asked, his voice steady, concealing his intrigue. Selina's gaze fell on his expressionless face, observing the gentleness and concentration with which he cared for her injury. Sadly, she couldn't tell if this was a concern or pity because she never expected him to tend to her at all. “I don't want to be broken in your revenge,” Selina answered softly. “You owe me your life, and for that, you can’t dictate your fate.” Absolutely. Selina couldn't understand why he had to save her when he desired her death. "You should've let me die then and get your wish fulfilled. If I died, it would erase your pain. And maybe... maybe it would bring you peace," she muttered, contrasting her pain with the weight of his suffering. Her reply hung in the air, momentarily halting his clinical movements as he lifted his cold eyes to meet her sad and remorseful gaze. Her words still echoed in his mind—unexpected and troubling. Was this guilt a burden she carried from her father's actions? How could she be so brave to take such a selfless yet immoral act? Earlier, he had marveled at her bravery. However, he reminded himself not to be swayed by her actions, as he couldn't tell if this was yet another trick of hers to earn his mercy. "I won’t let you die so easily. Not while I’m still breathing," Zane declared in his usual frosty yet calm tone as it lingered in the air with great significance. Instead of feeling frightened by those solemn, eerie words, her heart betrayed her, racing in sync with the emotions his voice stirred. Emotions she couldn’t name, yet they lingered deep down. They sounded like a lifelong promise to her. Maybe.. something quite protective. For a moment, the surge of apprehension subsided. *** Selina, the estranged daughter of the powerful Everett family, found herself torn between pursuing her dreams and trying to lead a normal life. She longed for the return of the man she loved—yet fate, ever cruel, granted her wish in the worst possible way. She knew nothing about her desire would ignite a storm of revenge aimed at her family, forcing her to face the devastating consequences. As fate toyed with her once more, Selina found herself pregnant after a single, unforgettable night with Zane at his welcoming banquet. In a desperate bargain for their safety, Selina agreed to Zane's demand to bring the child into the world as they bear secrets between families.