Before she could process anything else, the bell above the perfume shop door rang. "Luca?" He hurried inside, his face filled with concern instead of panic. Without saying a word, he walked straight to her. "Maya..." She looked up, her eyes already filling with tears. "I'm so sorry," he said softly. He reached for her hands, holding them gently between his. "I never wanted this to happen to you." "It's not your fault," she whispered. "It feels like it is." His voice was quiet, but full of guilt. "You didn't choose this life. I did." For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Luca carefully brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face. "I made myself a promise the day we met," he said, looking into her eyes. "No matter what happens, I'll protect you. From the cameras, the rumors... from anyone who tries to hurt you." Maya searched his face. "And if this gets worse?" A small smile crossed his lips as he squeezed her hands. "Then they can chase me." He stepped a little closer. "But they'll never get to you. Not while I'm here." For the first time that morning, Maya smiled. She believed him. And Luca knew, in that moment, that protecting her wasn't just something he wanted to do. It was something he'd do for as long as she'd let him.

A Promise Beneath the Spotlight