Rachel has lived her life trying to distance herself from her destructive mother. When her mother married an older Greek man, she brought Sebastian, the man's nephew, in to her life. providing Rachel with a man she could look up to an love. When her mother is caught cheating on her husband and then both are killed in a car accident, Rachel and Sebastian are thrown together.
Sebastian could not believe his beloved uncle is gone and sees Rachel as an extension of her mother. Despite her innocence, her shyness, and quiet reserve, he transfers his grief and anger at her mother to her, and believes she has lied to him about her virginity.
Rachel had been assaulted as a teenager, but was still a virgin. Giving herself to Sebastian, she was showing her love, but he was too blind to see it, as well as his love for her. When she almost died, he knew he must keep her safe, and prove his love.
A nice story.