She's formidable. He's resolute. Hailing from starkly contrasting backgrounds and families with unexpected values and priorities. Despite daunting obstacles, they strive to unite, to forge an eternity together, and they come agonizingly close to victory. Unlike conventional tales of love, theirs lacks a joyful conclusion. Not when one's deception has cost the other their liberty, and perhaps even their life. The grip of the adversary is chilling - as it should be - prompting the other to take justice into their own hands, with vengeance as the ultimate aim. Yet, the past looms ever-present, a specter poised to obliterate the future, and somehow, they both succumb to its destructive force. "Her heart was tender as a rose, His love protected her heart, As a thorn that protects the rose." -Luffina Lourdurajs Started: 14 Aug 2021 Finished: 13 Oct 2021