Chapter 414

Zavian’s gaze remained steady on her face, taking in every nuance of her expression. “Am I wrong?”

Emmeline looked down at the lilies and released a soft sigh. “No, you’re right. I’ve always felt sad about the months I wasted with someone who didn’t deserve me.”

Zavian cupped her face between his hands. The gesture was both possessive and tender. “Tonight you can remember him,” he murmured, tracing her cheekbones. “Celebrate your freedom, mourn your lost time. But tomorrow, you’ll forget Richard Maine ever existed!” His jaw tightened visibly. “I don’t want him taking up space in your head anymore. I don’t want him affecting how you feel. Think only of me.”

The intensity of his words charged the air between them.

“I want to be the only one who matters to you,” Zavian’s voice dropped to a near-whisper. “For better or worse.”

Emmeline placed her hand over his. “I doubt I’ll think of him at all with you around. Even when you’re talking about him, all I can