The sun had begun to dip below the horizon, casting a soft glow over the balcony where Victoria and Sophie sat side by side, a quiet evening breeze brushing through their hair. The past few years had been a whirlwind of change, growth, and, sometimes, heartbreak—but in this moment, the two women found solace in each other’s company, reflecting on the journey that had brought them to this point.

Sophie took a deep breath, staring out at the city lights below. “It’s crazy, isn’t it? How much has changed in such a short time.”

Victoria nodded, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her wine glass. “I never thought we’d...