CLAIRE

The days after our first date passed in a haze of happiness I wasn't used to feeling.

Julian and I fell into a new rhythm together, mornings with coffee and casual touches, evenings where we'd cook dinner and talk for hours, nights where we'd sit close on the couch until one of us reluctantly went to bed.

We hadn't rushed into anything physical beyond that first kiss, both of us taking our time, savoring the anticipation. It felt right, moving slowly, building something solid instead of rushing headlong into intensity.

On Tuesday morning, I was responding to customer emails when my phone rang. Nina's name appeared on the screen....