Chapter 245. Lara’s Breaking Point

Carter feels Lara trembling against him, and it tears at him—he hates that she’s been forced to carry so much on her own.

“I’m here now, L,” he murmurs, using the nickname he hasn’t called her in years. “I’m here. Everything’s going to be okay.” He kisses the top of her head, his lips lingering in her hair, trying to comfort her.

Lara clings to him, her fingers digging into his shirt as if she’s afraid he might disappear if she lets go. She doesn’t say anything—she can’t find the words to express the overwhelming relief she feels at his return. It’s as if a weight has been lifted off her chest, allowing her to breathe freely for the first time in days.

For a long moment, they stand there, holding each other, the silence between them filled with unspoken words. Finally, Lara pulls back slightly, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes.

“Carter,” she whispers, her voice shaky. “I was so scared…”

Carter cups her face in his hands, his thumb brushing away a