"Hey, baby. Sorry for coming here in the middle of the night." Chiara embraces you tightly, burying her face in the curve of your neck. "I needed to see you."

"My brother filled me in on everything, about my parents attempting to bribe you into ending things with me, and... I just needed reassurance that you wouldn't accept it." Her breath brushes against your neck; she trembles as she holds onto you. For someone who usually exudes confidence, your girlfriend appears genuinely frightened.