lay there, letting the world outside blur into the background. It was strange how different she felt after just a couple of days. The pain of L

nywhere. The thought was both liberating and daunting. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand,

ed, her voice still

voice came through the line, smooth and confid

plied, sitting up in

y. I have a bit of business to handle, but aft

nd to her, a virtual stranger. But something about Daniel made h

ore she could overth

in an hour. Dres

polished outfit: dark jeans, a soft sweater, and ankle boots. By the time she stepped into the lobby, D

," he said, opening t

a small smile, sliding i

ed the streets with ease, the hum of the engine filling the silence between them. Sophie found he

g?" she asked, bre

at her. "But don't worry, it won't tak

ng, all sleek glass and steel. Daniel turned to her, hi

The rain had stopped entirely, leaving the city washed clea

, but Daniel returned with an apologetic

re t

he said, his t

gave way to rolling hills and lush greenery. Daniel parked near a s

some fresh air," he said,

ing her lungs. They walked along a narrow path that wound

ends rescuing heartbroken stranger

into his pockets. "Not usually.

hy

e I know what it's like to feel lost. To think your world is falling apa

cerity in his voice striking a chord. "Yo

as I need to be," he

ces of her past, the things she hadn't dared to voice even to her closest friends. Daniel

efore them, the city in the distance framed by the expanse of g

e murmured, her voice b

ough his gaze was fixed on

ie felt her cheeks heat under his scrutiny, but she didn't look awa

k to the city was quiet, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Sophie felt a strange se

tel, his expression unreadable.

eplied, watching

, but one thing was clear: he had changed something in her. He had reminded her of the streng