She did not need to look to know who it was. "Shawn, you're here."

"Yeah."

"You heard everything between Ivy and me, didn't you?"

"Yeah."

"I understand her feelings very well because I've experienced the same thing." Gale slowly lowered her eyes. "She envies me for having you supporting me from behind. She doesn't know that I envy her for being alone, so that she is free of guilt."

Shawn embraced her from behind, enveloping her petite frame in his arms. He called out to her again and again, "Gale, Gale..."

"You tell me, do you mind?" Gale turned around, looking up at him. "What's your honest feeling? Shawn, I want to hear."

He looked into her eyes, shimmering with tears. Shawn spoke in a deep voice, "I do mind, Gale. No man wouldn't mind, and I'm no exception."

Gale's body began to tremble uncontrollably. He held her tightly. "What I fear more is losing you, Gale. You've been framed, you're not in control of yourself, none of this is what you wanted. You're innocent, you're alr