The old man felt his heart shatter with pain and rage. He realized that all those days when they fought for their love, she had paid a terrible price.

He embraced her gently, careful not to touch her wounds, and whispered:

— “You will never be alone again. I will do everything to protect you.”

That night was not the beginning of marital bliss, but a vow: for the rest of his life, he would remain by her side and never again allow anyone to hurt her.