Asher’s POV

The morning sun cast a soft glow through the curtains as I adjusted my cufflinks, my movements slow and deliberate.

Ivy stood behind me, smoothing out the creases in my shirt with gentle hands.

Her touch was warm, grounding me in a way I desperately needed.

“You look good,” she murmured, stepping in front of me to fix my tie. Her fingers brushed against my skin as she adjusted the knot, lingering just a second longer than necessary. “Strong. In control.”

I exhaled through my nose. “I wish I felt that way.”

She placed her palm flat against my chest, right over my heartbeat. “You are that way....