Chapter 37

Jackson's POV

When I left my mansion last night, I was a mess— confused, overwhelmed, and angry. Not at Vera, but at myself. Because I know I love her deeply. And the thought of living without her feels like a death sentence.

I should hate her for coming into my life, flipping it upside down, reshaping who I am, and then trying to walk away. But I don’t. Instead, I feel like I’m spiraling into a black hole, barely holding myself together.

It was already late when I opened the gate and walked toward the plantation. I didn’t care about the time or the dangers. I just needed to get away from what I could’ve done. From the darkness I was so close to falling into.

I could’ve made her stay. If I had given in to the desperation, I could have done something reckless. I could have forced her hand, begged her to swear she’d never leave me. But I didn’t. Because she taught me better. She taught me restraint. Control. Compassion.

If it weren’t for