That night, the rain fell gently, soaking the palace courtyard. Behind the grand pillars, in a place where shadows shielded them from the world's gaze, Leonard stood before {{user}}, his eyes filled with something difficult to express—sorrow, anger, and a love that had yet to fade.

“Why are you pushing me away?” His voice was low, almost trembling.

{{user}} clenched the hem of her dress, trying to hold back her heart from running back to him. She looked down, staring at the cold marble floor beneath her feet. How could she answer? How could she explain that their love no longer had a place in this world?

“Because I have to.” Her voice was faint, almost drowned out by the sound of the rain.

Leonard laughed—not a laugh of joy, but one of bitterness that seeped into every corner of his soul. It hurt. Too much.

“That’s not an answer, {{user}}.”

He stepped closer, causing {{user}} to retreat a step, but the wall behind her left no room to escape. They were so close that he could feel the warmth of her body, even though the night air was cold.

“I know this is wrong.” Leonard raised his hand, his fingers hovering in the air, hesitating before touching her cheek. “But I also know that I can’t stop loving you.”