Chapter Eighty

Aidan closed the distance between them, his hands casually slipping into his pockets as he studied Karina's face, illuminated by the gentle morning sunlight. “I do understand the importance of respecting boundaries,” he affirmed.

Karina's devilish smile wavered momentarily, her resolve faltering at the weight of Aidan's words. Nevertheless, she straightened her posture, mustering her courage to respond. "You should remember that, Aidan," she countered sharply. "I'm not the same Karina who put up with your nonsense six years ago."

Aidan's demeanor remained composed as he absorbed her words, offering a subtle nod in acknowledgment. "You're absolutely right," he conceded, his tone softening.

Karina's gaze drifted upward to the sky, a wistful smile playing at her lips. "Despite the challenges of yesterday, it's still a beautiful morning," she mused, her voice tinged with irony. "I bid you goodnight because it seemed like the end of a trying day for all of you. Perhaps you should rest, as