Wealth Before Love

ressed down on him. He couldn't help but replay the events of the evening in his mind, how Amanda had mocked Jane, and how he had failed to stop it in time. Jane's frustration had been so raw, so

something that could hurt her even more, made his stomach turn. He wasn't that person. He didn't want to be that person. "Ahhh!" he mumbled to himself, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I shouldn't try that." The last thing he wanted was to push Jane aw

er through whatever came next. He needed to find a way to express his concerns about how he felt

ut he couldn't ignore the growing connection between them. And if he was honest with himself, he didn't want to. With a sigh, he stood up, running a hand over his face. There was no easy way out of this. The only thing he could do now was figure out how to talk

ut he knew she needed to speak freely, without interruption. Her words hung in the air, heavy with the hurt she had carried for so long. "I get it, Jane," he said softly, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "I understand

te feeling like I'm always on the defense, always fighting. Amanda has made my life miserable, and I've been forc

n't have to fight everything on your own, Jane. You don't have t

voice gentle but firm. "But you're not alone in this. I may not have all the answers, but I'm willing to figure it out with you. Whatever happens between us, I won't let anyone, especially Amanda, tear you down again." Jane looked at him for a long moment, her eyes filled with a mix of uncertainty and relief. She took a deep, shaky breath before nodding, her voice barely abov