Victoria sat in her favorite corner of the art studio, her hands nervously smoothing the edges of an untouched canvas. She didn’t need to start painting yet; her mind was already swirling with emotions that no brush could capture. The faint sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway, and soon Zander appeared in the doorway, his sharp features softened by the dim afternoon light.

“Mind if I come in?” Zander’s voice was gentle, almost hesitant.

Victoria looked up and managed a small smile. “Of course not. I could use the company.”

He stepped inside, his presence both comforting and unsettling. Zander had a way of grounding her while simultaneously stirring...