Roman's name tumbled from her lips like an incantation, weaving a spell that took him by surprise. It sent a delightful jolt through his chest, making his heart skip in rhythm as he locked eyes with the woman before him.
He was taken aback. "Carol," he began slowly, his voice a gentle caress, "do you remember anything?" He leaned closer, his curiosity tinged with a hint of hope.
"I don't know," she answered, her brow furrowed with concentration. As she frowned, she tilted her head slightly to the side, an expression that suggested she was wrestling with a painful memory. Roman's heart ached at the sight, and he instinctively reached out, cradling her cheeks in his palms.
