Lucian stood before Aeliana, his features hardened, the weight of his decision visible in his eyes. The storm in the distance seemed to echo the turmoil within him. He had tried to avoid this moment, hoped it would resolve itself, but now the words had come, and he couldn't hold them back any longer. His heart ached as he spoke, but there was a finality to his voice that cut through the tension between them.
"No, Princess," Lucian said, his tone firm yet strained. "I can't afford to be with you right now. I'm sorry. I have forgiven you, truly, but that doesn't change the fact that we cannot be together. Not like this. Not anymore."
..