He was wearing a royal-blue shirt and a coat of the same color. Even from a distance, he exuded immense power. Everyone who walked by him gave him a wide berth, as if they were afraid of getting too close.

As he approached, I could see his face. The tenderness of youth had faded away, leaving a chiseled jaw and strong angles.

It had been so long, but when I saw him again—with the new name “Jackson Sterling”-I only felt calmness. Not even a single stutter of my heart.

I lifted a hand to ...