Love Cannot Be Forced Years ago, Nicholas had been the target of an assassination attempt.

Without hesitation, Cecilia had shielded him, taking the hit in his place. The scar on her back was proof of that moment-one she had carried with her ever since.

For the longest time, she had believed it was Nathaniel she had saved, convinced that he was the one indebted to her.

Nicholas swallowed, but the bitterness in his throat refused to fade.

“How could you give me psychological medication?” Cecilia demanded, her voice laced with disbelief.

Even now, she struggled to comprehend it. The person who had once been kind and outstanding in their youth had somehow twisted into someone paranoid and obsessive.

Across from her, Nicholas took a slow sip of his coffee, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the mug.