Tessa stood motionless in the villa, the echo of George’s confession still ringing in her ears. Outside, the wind toyed with the palms, swaying them like fragile truths, shifting with every gust.

George had remained after her initial rejection, pleading not for forgiveness—but for understanding.

“Tessa,” he’d said, his voice fraying at the edges. “I never wanted to hurt Jamie. I didn’t plan for any of it to go that far. It started as a way to lift him up, to give him a little mystery and excitement. I didn’t expect…” He had stopped himself, swallowing the rest of the sentence. “I didn’t expect to feel responsible in this way....