The storm raged outside, but inside the drawing room, the only sound was the crackle of the fireplace I had managed to light. Arthur sat beside me on the plush velvet rug, completely undone. His silver-streaked hair was messy, the bitter scowl finally wiped from his face, leaving behind only profound exhaustion.

With a voice like aged whiskey, he finally opened up. He spoke of his family's yacht, the sudden squall, and the crushing survivor's guilt that had consumed him since his wife and daughter drowned. The trauma had locked him inside this house, and the anger was his only shield.

"The anger is the only thing keeping me from drowning, Ruby," he murmured, his dark eyes locking onto mine, heavy with sorrow. "I thought if I was cruel enough, the world would leave me alone to rot."

"You deserve to live, Arthur. You deserve to heal."

He reached out, his large, warm hand wrapping gently around my wrist. His thumb brushed over the colorful ink of my tattoo, the touch shockingly tender from a man so previously harsh. His gaze dropped to my lips. He leaned in, the scent of bergamot and rain washing over me. The bitter gap between us vanished. His lips hovered mere inches from mine, the tension thick and electric.

Suddenly, the blare of the security system signaled the power returning. The grand chandelier flooded the room with harsh light. Arthur flinched, dropping my arm instantly. His jaw locked, his eyes turning to ice as the walls slammed back into place. "Get out," he snapped, his voice cold and distant once again.

THE WALLS ARE BACK UP! 😩 Just when they were about to kiss, the power had to come back on! Arthur instantly retreating into his bitter shell has our hearts breaking. Will he push her away forever? Tell us in the comments! 👇 Hit ❤️ to demand a real kiss next chapter, and share this agonizing cliffhanger with a friend! 🔥