Chapter 112

• Aria stirred awake, blinking against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. The warmth of the bed enveloped her, but an emptiness beside her made her heart flutter with a mix of concern and affection. She wrapped herself in the blanket, feeling the cool air nip at her skin as she swung her legs over the side of the bed.
• As she stepped onto the balcony, the salty breeze kissed her cheeks, and her gaze fell upon Zander. He sat in an armchair, his back to her, facing the vast expanse of the sea. The waves crashed rhythmically against the shore, a soothing backdrop to his quiet contemplation. Aria’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of him—his bare chest glistening slightly in the morning light, muscles defined and strong.
• A smile crept across her face as she took in the moment, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. Despite the cold air, Zander seemed lost in thought, a cigarette dangling loosely between his fingers, smoke curling lazily into the air. She felt an urge to be near him, to share this tranquil moment.