Annabelle was struck silent. His words were like a hammer chipping away at the walls she had built around her heart. Why was he acting so sweet now? If only he had been this kind to her in the past, they might not have been separated. But here he was, trying to break down her resolve, to make her fall for him all over again. The thought both terrified and angered her.
Before she could fully process her emotions, Edwards leaned in, and suddenly she felt the warmth of his lips against hers. The kiss was soft, tender, and filled with a longing that caught her off guard. For a moment, she felt herself slipping, almost giving in to the familiar warmth of his embrace. But then reality hit her like a cold wave, and she recoiled, pushing him away with all the strength she could muster.
