Marianne and Alexander climbed into the car, and a brief silence enveloped them for a few seconds before Alexander broke the quiet.

"Are you sure you're fit to go out? We can always pick another day," he suggested, glancing over at her. She met his gaze and offered a small smile.

"I want to go today," she replied, her eyes lingering on his face. How was he so effortlessly handsome? It sent a flutter through her heart.

"I feel like staying out with you today... just you and me," she muttered, biting her lip and realizing how cringe that felt before looking away. Marianne knew that in difficult times like...