Andrew held Lauren's delicate hand tightly and said with conviction, "Now, I've found someone I truly care about. Everything in the past is behind me—it's gone for good."

Lauren's cheeks flushed red in an instant. With Francesca still present, she felt shy and tried to pull her hand away.

But Andrew tightened his grip and gave a gentle tug, pulling Lauren toward him.

"Ah!" Lauren exclaimed softly, falling into Andrew's arms. Before she could react, he wrapped an arm around her slender