Chapter 45

• LIAM
• I felt oddly relaxed. The day had been... something. The hike, the laughter, the lighthouse view—it all felt like a dream I didn't know I needed. But what made the day better was watching Monique. Her smile was different today. It wasn't her usual guarded smirk or the polite curve of her lips she gave when she had to. No, this was real. Genuine. She was excited, full of energy, and for the first time, it was like she let herself forget whatever demons she carried with her. That energy, that spark in her, was contagious. I found myself smiling more than I had in weeks, just because she was.
• As we settled in for the night, I drifted off easily, a sense of calm wrapping around me like a warm blanket. But the peace didn't last long.