“The issue isn’t what I want, Gael…” she replied, even though her heart was at war. She stood up, as if physical distance could ease what she was feeling. “It’s about what’s right. Why would I drag you into something that isn’t your problem?”

He got to his feet as well, refusing to let her pull away.

“What if it is my problem?” he shot back, his voice taking on an almost desperate edge. “What if everything that’s happening is my responsibility?”

She frowned, confused. The rise and fall of her c