Tenderly running his fingers through her soft, curly brown hair and touching her gauze-covered leg, Waylen inquired in a hushed tone, "Does it still hurt?"

"It hurts," Alexis responded, snuggling against his neck with all her might, seeking comfort.

In his embrace, Waylen showered her with affectionate kisses, his heart burdened with aching guilt.

He never imagined that a love affair from his youth would inflict such harm upon Alexis.

If Rena had not been there for them, he shuddered to think of the consequences.