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CHAPTER THREE (3) Facing Fears

Emily's heart soared as she floated through the days following her first kiss with Jack. Their whirlwind romance left her breathless.

But beneath the surface, Emily's fears simmered.

Fears of vulnerability.

Fears of heartbreak.

Fears of repeating past mistakes.

One evening, as they strolled along the Hudson River, Jack noticed Emily's distant gaze.

"Hey, what's on your mind?" Jack asked.

Emily hesitated, unsure how to articulate her doubts.

"Just thinking about us," Emily said.

Jack's eyes narrowed.

"What about us?" he pressed.

Emily took a deep breath.

"I don't know if I'm ready for this," Emily admitted.

Jack's expression softened.

"Ready for what?" he asked.

"For falling in love," Emily said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jack's eyes locked onto hers.

"I'm already falling, Emily," Jack said. "But I'll wait for you."

Emily's heart skipped a beat.

No one had ever understood her like Jack did.

No one had ever made her feel so safe.

As they stood there, the Manhattan skyline twinkling behind them, Emily realized:

She had to face her fears.

"Tell me about your past," Jack said.

Emily's instincts screamed warning.

But something about Jack's gentle tone put her at ease.

She shared stories of her ex-fiancé's infidelity.

Of the shattered trust.

Of the crippling heartbreak.

Jack listened intently.

His eyes filled with empathy.

His arms wrapped around her.

"You're safe with me, Emily," Jack whispered.

Tears streamed down Emily's face.

For the first time in years.

She felt heard.

She felt seen.

She felt understood.

As they stood there, embracing on the riverbank.

Emily knew:

She was ready to face her fears.

Ready to trust Jack.

Ready to love again.

But little did she know.

Jack had secrets of his own.

Secrets that could shatter their fragile bond.

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