a's

my chest. My father faced me, his shoulders bent as if he were bracing for a hit. His gaze flickered

tly, his voice break

t. My voice shook, but I didn't care. "That you gave me away t

ed the man who once tucked me in at night and scared away the

tering his voice. "I never wanted this. I found myself corne

ree to?" My voice escalated, frustration final

believe I want this for you? For either one of us?" He swept a hand through his hair, moving about like a trapped

s tone. My father was not easily frightened, yet

ice quiet but firm. "The on

Neverro. He's a billionaire investor. He... has connec

ition is me,"

glistening. "He wi

ss than twenty-four hours remained before a stranger took contro

haking my head. "Th

eplied, his voice trembling. "

e rest as I turned around and rushed ou

among tall oaks and the soft sound of the nearby ocean. My chest hea

have been getting ready for my future instead of being moved a

d and confused. I became aware of the footste

un

re looking up. Adrian stood a few fe

ile that felt hollow. "Hey

you," he said, taking a caut

t... neede

his eyes locking onto mi

his gaze too much to bear.

against me until I finally sighed. "I

here alone?" he asked, sitting down besi

uth was laid out before me, pleading for recognitio

ad negatively. "I pre

gently. "Now let's dis

d more cheerful topics: the silly squirrel that persistently invaded his

I chuckled, the sound rising

ed, beaming. "I began to belie

I said softly, my v

mplative. "You're not planning

e, and I became tense. "

, dismissively. "You can stay with

s alluring but risky. "I

lutely. "Let's go. Let's get

ng and a faint scent of cinnamon and coffee. I awkwardly

sked, pulling

aid, watching

pasta's famous. Well,

ions easygoing and assured. As he placed the dish in fro

," I exclaimed afte

with a smile, causin

ntic comedy played softly in the background. I nestled

ddenly, my voice br

asked, tu

heavy on my tongue. "Th

," he sa

se crept back in. Tomorrow was lo

the window, looking out at the dark scenery. My phone buzzed

umber illuminated the display: "See

od ran