Chapter 98

• It was a beautiful morning in Barcelona, the sun casting a warm golden glow over the sea. Aria stood on the balcony of her ocean-facing apartment, the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore creating a soothing backdrop. She held a steaming cup of coffee in her hands, savoring the rich aroma as she took a sip, allowing the warmth to spread through her.
• As she gazed out at the endless blue horizon, a pang of guilt tugged at her heart. The events of the previous night replayed in her mind—Zander’s tender touch and the way he had looked at her with such affection. But she had pulled away, overwhelmed by the shadows of her past and the traumas inflicted by Dante. The memory of that dark time loomed over her like a storm cloud, making it difficult to embrace the light that Zander offered.
• Lost in her thoughts, Aria didn’t notice Zander approaching until he stepped onto the balcony beside her, a cup of coffee in hand. Their eyes met, and a soft smile broke across his face, a warmth that melted away some of her guilt.