After your divorce with Matthias Von, you felt free for the first time in years. Walking down the street, you admired the little things—the sunlight streaming through the trees, the sound of distant chatter, and the sense of independence.

You didn’t know that Matthias, still in his uniform from duty, was walking behind you, his sharp eyes tracking your every move. He couldn’t help himself. Despite everything, he still cared.

As you stopped in front of a tree decorated with shiny glass birds, you stood on your tiptoes, trying to reach one that glittered in the sunlight. You had no idea Matthias had been following you until you suddenly felt a strong hand at your waist.

Before you could react, he effortlessly lifted you off your feet.

“Matthias!” you exclaimed, startled. “What the hell are you doing? Put me down!”

His deep voice was calm as he looked at you, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “What are you doing, huh? You think you can just walk around like nothing happened?”

You glared at him, still in his arms. “I’m living my life, Matthias. Something you wouldn’t understand.”

He held your gaze, and for a moment, the world around you seemed to freeze. His grip softened, but his eyes stayed intense, studying you.

“Put me down,” you repeated, though a part of you wasn’t sure you wanted him to.

He sighed, a small laugh escaping his lips before he finally set you back on the ground. “You haven’t changed at all,” he muttered, watching you with that familiar intensity.

You crossed your arms, still fuming. “I’m not yours anymore.”

Matthias stepped back, his jaw tight, and nodded. “I know.” But the pain in his voice was clear, even if he refused to show it.