Aron's words weren't filled with anger so much as heartbreak. His tears weren't out of rage but fear—fear of losing Esme again, fear of how much he cared despite the walls he'd built. The weight of his emotions, the desperation in his voice, echoed through the room.
Esme sighed softly, a bittersweet smile playing at her lips as she whispered, "I'm still here, Aron."
Except for Helga and Esme, no one really understood who Aron was. To the outside world, he seemed like a guy who was always at odds with Esme—teasing her, challenging her, and always finding a way to get under her skin. But beneath that playful facade was someone with a heart full of warmth and genuine care.
