"Even without your background," he went on,
"I'm capable of leaving everything behind. Starting over. Living a quiet life with my wife, if that's what it takes for you to be mine."
As those words settled between them, Peter leaned in slowly.
This time, Adriana didn't step back.
She closed her eyes and let him kiss her, letting the warmth and certainty wash away the lingering fear.
'He didn't leave… not for money, not for pressure.'
When he finally pulled back, Adriana wrapped her arms around him tightly.
"Thank you," she whispered. "If it weren't for you, I'd still be facing your father's oppression."
Peter fell silent for a moment. Then he said quietly, "It wasn't me."
Adriana laughed softly, thinking he didn't want her to feel indebted. "
I know," she teased gently. "You just happened to do it unintentinally, right?"
Peter pulled her slightly away, his expression turning serious. "I'm not joking."
Her smile faltered.
