evious night. For a brief moment, she forgot where she was, the unfamiliar surroundings pulling her back to reality. The sleek hotel room, with its

the lingering exhaustion. Despite the whirlwind of emotions, she felt an odd sense of clari

Excuses. Empty promises. With a deep breath, she picked up

ut, wrapped herself in a plush robe, and opened the minibar, her stomach growling in protest. A sm

longer belonged to. Without thinking twice, she picked it up, slipped it into her bag, and decided to leav

iam. The name "Daniel Grayson" flashed on the scr

said, her voi

's deep voice greeted her

surprised at the truth of her w

wondering if you ha

stion. The truth was, she had no plans, no itine

hour," he said, his tone leaving no r

torn between irritation and intrigue. Daniel Grayson wasn't someone

el was already waiting, dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored navy

like that," he sai

row. "You didn't exac

ide, a sleek black car was waiting. The driver ope

he asked, sliding into

he replied, hi

uieter streets. Sophie couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and curiosity. Daniel w

s facade gleaming in the sunlight. Sophie stepped out, her ey

he asked, glan

nreadable. "Figured you cou

with art in every style imaginable-bold abstracts, delicate landscapes, and striking portrait

that seemed to capture the essence of a storm. She stood in front of it, me

s voice broke the silence, and she t

id softly. "It

fixed on the painting. "It takes the messiness

ds were meant for her as much as they were

"It's a good reminder that even the worst st

a pang of gratitude. Daniel had a way of cutting through he

d her about his travels, the way he collected stories and experiences instead of souvenirs. S

ng a warm glow over the city. Daniel suggested lunch at a nearby cafe,

n eclectic menu. They found a table by the window, and

hie Bennett?" he asked,

er life had revolved around Liam-his needs, his plans, his dreams. Now, she ha

it's time to start over, figure out who

hat's a good place to start. Sometimes le

ortlessly. Sophie found herself opening up to Daniel in ways she hadn'

shed a layer of the pain that had been weighing her down. Daniel

said when they

ed, his expression

ave to stop just because one part of

ged at his lips.

m with a quiet finality. For the first time in wh

s twinkling like a thousand tiny stars. The diamond ring lay on the