Chapter 7 - The Woman I Loved Walked Away Because She Thought My Protection Was Another CageThree months later, Lena left.

Not because she stopped loving me.

Because she was afraid my love would become another prison.

I had increased security around her.

Added drivers.

Security staff.

Surveillance.

I thought I was protecting her.

She called it controlling.

“You're doing it again.”

“What?”

“Deciding what's best for me.”

“I almost lost you.”

“You didn't.”

“Someone tried to kill you.”

“And I'm still here.”

“I can't risk it.”

“You can't own the risk.”

I stared at her.

She continued.

“I love you.”

My heart stopped.

“But I won't live inside your fear.”

Then she left.

For the first time in my life, I understood what loss actually meant.

I could force employees to stay.

I could force enemies to obey.

I could buy companies.

I could buy houses.

I couldn't buy love.

Delaney found me sitting in the kitchen.

“You're stupid.”

I looked at her.

“You've been speaking for six months and that's the first thing you say?”

She smiled.

“You deserve it.”

I laughed.

Then she held my hand.

“Let her choose.”

I stared at her.

“What?”

“Lena.”

She looked toward the door.

“Let her choose.”

Those three words changed everything.

I removed the security team.

Not all at once.

But enough.

I gave Lena her freedom.

I sent one message.

I love you. You don't owe me a return.

She didn't answer.

For three weeks.

Then a letter arrived.

I need to know whether you want me or need me.

I replied:

Want.

Her answer came:

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Then prove it by letting me choose.

I did.