Ashton turned to me, his grip on my hand tightening noticeably.

It felt like he was holding my heart captive. They say the fingers are connected to the heart, and in that moment, I couldn't deny it.

"I will give Elaine everything I have, love her with every fiber of my being, and protect her fiercely," he said, his voice steady and heartfelt. His gaze locked onto mine, his eyes deep and shimmering like the ocean.

In that instant, I finally ...