Arthur could still feel Zoe’s lips on his. Her taste lingered in his mouth like a living memory, a warmth that refused to fade. When they finally pulled their faces apart, their foreheads still touching, their uneven breathing said far more than words ever could.

“I love you, beautiful. Like I’ve never loved anyone before,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion.

Zoe felt her heart pounding in her chest, each beat like a silent plea. She wanted to say she loved him too—that the love had neve