Velvet’s POV

Three weeks had passed in what felt like a dream, and now our vacation was over. Zavian and I stepped off the plane at RavenHills, the familiar Los Angeles skyline greeting us. I felt a flutter in my chest, a mix of excitement and unease. Even though I was eager to return, a part of me dreaded what awaited us.

Zavian held my hand tightly as we walked toward the car. “Hey,” he murmured softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Just remember, I only love you. No matter what, you’re the only one.”

I nodded, but the reassurance barely eased the tightening in my...