Vlora had just come out of the bathroom. She had shampooed and cleaned herself with warm water. The tiredness and aches that had plagued her in various places vanished.

A satin nightgown wrapped around Vlora's body a moment later. She sat at the dressing table and dried her hair. Her gaze fixed on her reflection in the mirror.

Vlora fell into contemplation. She pondered every word that Andreas had said. And then something crossed her mind. It sounded like Andreas' voice, but perhaps it was her own inner voice.

Opportunities never come twice.

Vlora let out a long breath. The hairdryer landed on the dressing table, and she switched to...