New York, Mia

I grabbed my phone to call Sebastian. I was already in my room after eating dinner and cleaning up the dishes. The soft glow of the table lamp cast a warm, comforting light around the room. I dialed his number and held the phone to my ear, heart pounding in anticipation. Sebastian picked up after the second ring.

“Hello Mia, did you receive my flowers?” he asked. His voice sounded slightly breathless, and I could hear the faint hum of traffic in the background. “I’m on my way home now from the office.”

“Yes, I did receive the flowers,” I replied, relief washing over me. “For a...