"I tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen," I finally said, my voice hoarse with frustration and guilt. Adam’s dark eyes locked onto mine, filled with a rage I couldn’t blame him for. Before I could say more, his fist connected with my jaw, the force sending me staggering backward.
I didn’t fight back. I didn’t even flinch. If this was what he needed to do, I would take it. Every ounce of his fury and grief—I would bear it if it meant he could find some relief.
But instead of striking me again, Adam dropped to his knees beside the bed, his strong frame trembling. He reached for Elsa’s hand, gripping it as though his life depended on it, and bowed his head until his forehead rested against the back of her hand. And then, he broke.
Tears streamed down his face as he wept openly, his
