Vicky's POV
After Ollie's mom's birthday celebration, we all walked her back to her room. I gave her a soft hug, whispered my goodbye, and slipped out before Ollie could follow, partly because I wanted him to have that moment with her… partly because my own chest was too full to handle one more tender scene without bursting.
I ended up on the terrace, leaning against the railings while watching the staff clean the backyard. The fairy lights were still glowing, the flowers still perfumed the air, and yet everything felt quieter… softer… as if the night itself understood that something important had just shifted between all of us.
"Thanks for coming…" Lilian's voice came from behind me.
I snorted. "Have you forgotten? I was kidnapped."
She laughed, shaking her head. "True. A very dramatic arrival."
