Chapter Thirty-Two
The first rays of dawn filtered gently through the tall windows of the villa, painting the walls with soft gold and blush hues. Outside, the sea stretched endlessly, calm and serene. For the first time in months, the world seemed to exist only for them, far from contracts, headlines, and the relentless pressure of Adrian's corporate life.
Elena awoke to the faint scent of coffee and the soft sound of waves. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the unfamiliar peace, before realizing that Adrian was already awake. He stood by the window, hands in his pockets, gray eyes tracing the horizon as if solving a problem—but this time, the problem was personal, something unmeasurable.
"Morning," she murmured, voice hoarse from sleep.
He turned, offering a small, genuine smile that made her heart flutter. "Good morning," he said softly. "Sleep well?"
"Better than I have in… I can't remember how long," she admitted, tugging the blanket closer.
