Her fear... was it because of him?

He had just wanted to scare her, to teach her a lesson, and to demonstrate his kindness toward her. He wanted her to see what she would face if he lost respect for her.

However, his chest hurt when he saw her in such a state. It was almost like he had committed self-harm.

He reached over and gently wiped the tears from her face. “It’s okay. I won’t force you. Not now, and never in the future.”

She stared at him dumbfoundedly, as if she couldn’t believe he