The CEO UNLIKELY HOLIDAY

her hand sparkled under the soft glow of her bedroom lamp, a symbol of the future she had meticulously planned. This was the n

tucked into Liam's carry-on bag. A beachfront villa in the Maldives. The ring, carefully chosen to reflect a future she thoug

"Can't wait to see you tonight. Love you." A flicker of relief swept over her chest, calming the doubts that had

air was crisp, a stark contrast to the balmy island paradise waiting for them. The drive to

hie scanned the crowd for Liam, her heart skipping a beat when she spotted him. His dar

ed, waving as sh

prise crossing his face before

id, wrapping her arms around

flights could do that to anyone, she reasoned. She stepped back, look

, his voice hesitant. "

phie's smile faltered, but she forced he

around the crowded terminal. "

ge, the tension thick between them. Liam fiddled

he began, his voice low. "But

ed, her breath catchin

hearsed. "It's just... I've been under a lot

ion. "But I thought this trip was supposed to help

tone almost apologetic. "But I can't do this

ed. "You've had space, Liam.

idn't mean for it to come out this way. I just..

sank in. This wasn't just a break. It was the e

. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting. Sophi

he demanded, h

needed. The truth crashed over her like a

red, standing abruptly. "Y

he said, his voice defens

ice shook with anger and disbelief. "I gave

ait to hear his excuses. She grabbed her bag and st

utside the terminal. She had planned a fairytale

is sharp suit and commanding presence catching her attention. He

" he asked, his voi

unwilling to let a stranger se

said, his tone calm but

ely regretted her harshness. "I'

derstandable. Sometimes the best way to deal

as offering advice or merely making c

a hand. "Dan

fore shaking his ha

for what it's worth, whoever ma

ke a balm on her wounded heart. S

I was about to grab a drink a

eat to the safety of her hotel room and process her heartbreak al

said, surprisin

rast to the chaos of the terminal. Daniel ordere

gs," he said, ra

e warmth of the drink spreading throu

e steady. "Sometimes t

plan had fallen apart, but that didn't mean her story had to end here