_Zarelle’s POV_
“Calden, I’m grateful to you for saving me on the deserted island,” I said, acknowledging that without him, I might not have survived.
But I couldn’t ignore the fact that he had also subjected me to countless blood draws, which felt like a slow death sentence, all for the sake of another woman.
“However, that doesn’t mean we can go back to the past. In fact, we don’t even have a past to speak of. You asked me to watch the movie with you, and I did. If that’s not enough, I’m willing to compensate you financially.”
I took a deep breath and looked at Calden, my tone serious and polite as I tried to establish clear boundaries between us.
Although I didn’t resent or dislike him now, my expression and stand-offish demeanour were enough to douse Calden’s hopes lik
