Chapter 185

Mia turned to see Stefan taking long strides toward her, his face a mixture of relief and pride. Without hesitation, he wrapped her in a tight embrace, holding her as if he'd feared he might never see her again.

"You were amazing in there," he said when he finally pulled back to look at her face.

"Thank you for trusting me," Mia replied, her voice thick with emotion. The weight of everything they'd accomplished together settled between them.

"I trust you with my life, love," Stefan said softly, placing a kiss to her forehead before taking her hands. Together, they walked toward his car, fingers intertwined.

As they...