Chloe had already explained everything to Anya, so by the time Marcus arrived, she knew exactly why he had come. She understood what was in his heart, and she didn't need to hear an explanation.
The moment she saw him, all the hurt, loneliness, and heartbreak she had carried for years melted away. She threw herself into his arms without hesitation, burying her face against his chest as tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Anya!"
Marcus wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her close, holding her as though he never wanted to let go. The girl he had hidden in the deepest corner of his heart was finally in his embrace again. He breathed in her familiar scent and felt their hearts reconnect. The feeling was almost overwhelming. Sweet, warm, and so complete that neither of them wanted the moment to end.
Anya clung to him just as tightly, her arms locked around his waist as she rested her head against his shoulder, quietly savoring the presence of the man she loved most.
