The evening sky was darkening as Olivia sat alone on the porch of the old villa. Her eyes were still swollen, though the tears had stopped long ago. The cold wind swept through her loose hair, carrying with it the whispers of old wounds that had never truly healed.

Footsteps echoed from the direction of the garden.

“Olivia…” The voice was heavy, yet soft.

She turned. Hunter stood there. His face was filled with regret, yet it still held that unshakable resolve that made Olivia’s heart beat strangely. For a moment, time seemed to freeze between them.

“I know… you’re hurt because of me,” Hunter said quietly. “And I know...