That night, Alexander found her pacing, shaken.
"What did Russo say to you?" he demanded.
Elena hesitated, then whispered, "That the only thing you fear… is losing me. Is it true?"
Silence stretched. His fists clenched. His jaw tightened.
Finally, his voice broke through, low and raw. "Yes."
Her chest tightened. She had wanted the truth, but hearing it shattered her. Because now she understood—she wasn't just his weakness. She was his downfall.