Chapter 50

• The tension between Alan and me had thawed somewhat, softened by the bouquet of flowers he’d brought. I couldn’t help but smile as I toyed with the petals of a delicate white rose, my gaze flickering between the blooms and Alan’s eyes, where I saw a mix of apology and hope.
• “Thank you for these,” I murmured, my voice laced with sincerity. “They’re beautiful.”
• Alan nodded, his expression a blend of remorse and determination. “I’m sorry about earlier. I shouldn’t have said those things.”