CHAPTER 146

Antonia's fingers brushed against the man's scars with a mixture of curiosity and tenderness. Each scar told a story of its own, a narrative of battles waged and wounds endured. As her touch traversed the roadmap of his struggles, she couldn't help but feel a sense of connection, an unexpected bridge between their worlds.

The scars, once concealed beneath layers of cloth, were now laid bare for her to witness. They spoke of a life far more intricate than the polished exterior he presented to the world. The reality of his existence was etched into his skin, a testament to his resilience and determination.

Her initial intention to change his clothes had transformed into an intimate exploration of his history. The barriers that typically divided them – the mystique, the distance – had crumbled in the wake of her newfound understanding. He was more than just a man of allure; he was a man of depth, shaped by circumstances she could only begin to fathom.

A mixture