Chapter 399

Jabco took a slow step toward her. It was almost instinctive, like his body moved before his mind could catch up. Six months of searching, waiting, breaking himself apart, and now she was finally in front of him. So close. Close enough that he could see how much she had changed. Riyana watched him carefully. She noticed it immediately. The way his shoulders leaned forward. The way his hands loosened at his sides, ready to reach for her. She had lived with him long enough to recognize that look. That need to touch her, to pull her into his arms and pretend everything could go back to how it was. Her chest tightened. “No,” she thought. “Not again.” Before he could come any closer, she lifted her hand sharply. “Stop right there.” Her voice was firm, Cold, No warmth left in it. Jabco froze mid step. Her eyes were nothing like the ones he remembered. There was no softness, no hesitation. They were guarded now, Hard. Like a wall he couldn’t break through no matter how much force he used. He