As the sound of the door clicking shut echoed through the room, Sophia’s heart pounded wildly against her ribs. Each breath felt heavy, her palms grew damp with sweat, and her throat turned dry. Nervous energy fluttered inside her.

Yes, she was anxious.

Yet beneath the nerves, absolute certainty filled her. Every part of her being knew that choosing Julian was the only choice that truly mattered.

There was no one else in the entire world she craved. From the very start, it had always been Julian, and it would always remain him.

He moved behind her, his arm slipping around her waist and pulling her back against the solid...