Amanda's eyelids fluttered open slowly, a sharp ache piercing her temples. She brought her hand up to her head to soothe the throbbing pain.As her surroundings came into focus, she realized she was in an unfamiliar room. Confusion whirled in her mind as she tried to piece together the events leading up to this moment.Her hand reached for the phone on the table. No messages, no missed calls. A pang of sadness flickered in her eyes.She cautiously sat up and looked around, her heart pounding. The room was orderly and meticulously kept. Her clothes had been completely changed.The last thing she remembered was being with Emma, pouring her heart out in a sea of alcohol. She remembered confessing things to Emma that she had never told anyone before.The following memories grew blurry, and she couldn't recall what happened next. She rubbed her temples, attempting to coax her foggy mind into clarity.Amanda decided to open the door and step outside. The sound of activity drew her attention

The weekend had finally arrived, and the moment Vivian had been eagerly awaiting was upon her. Her heart fluttered excitedly as she stood before the mirror, meticulously assessing her appearance. With a touch of apprehension, she chose a delicate shade of lip gloss and applied it precisely, striving for that elusive touch of perfection. Every detail, from the graceful curve of her eyelashes to the glimmering nails, spoke of impeccable care.Her reflected image smiled back at her, a fusion of anticipation and self-assuredness gleaming in her eyes. Her attire had been chosen with utmost care—a deep blue silk dress that complemented her figure. The dress swayed gently, caressing her feminine contours, and the subtle aroma of her favored perfume lingered in the air as she moved. Stepping outside, Vivian spotted Louis standing there, patiently awaiting her. She smiled, clutching the gift as she approached his car and stepped inside. Her eyes caught his tie, a perfect match to the shade of

Thirty minutes later, as Kristen had finally stabilized in her room and allowed visitors, Vivian and Otis walked in. Seeing Kristen lying on the hospital bed, her spirit seemingly lifted despite her red, blotchy face, and both breathed a sigh of relief. Kristen welcomed them with a weak smile, her face flushed red. "I'm so glad you guys are here." Vivian approached the bed and gently hugged Kristen, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders as she saw her friend's spirits improving. "Are you okay?" Her voice held a tinge of emotion. Kristen chuckled softly. "I'm fine, really... Let me introduce you. This is Otis Evans, my boyfriend. I'm guessing this is your first time meeting, right?" Vivian hesitated momentarily before responding, "I've met Otis before. We used to work together." Otis glanced at her and nodded. "Yeah, we've met. It's been a while." Vivian's heart raced, hoping her response sounded natural. She didn't want to reveal Otis Evans' true identity, especially not to Kr

Vivian woke up to find herself nestled beside Louis. A gentle smile crept onto her lips as she traced her fingers lightly over his peacefully slumbering face.The contrast between the passionate and vulnerable man she had encountered the previous night and the tranquil figure beside her now left her astounded. His features were relaxed, and his defenses seemed to have diminished in his sleep. It was in moments like these that Vivian could genuinely feel the presence of this man beside her as a comforting reality.Louis's eyes slowly fluttered open, and a warm, lazy smile formed on his lips as he met Vivian's gaze. His voice, tinged with a hint of morning huskiness, greeted her, "Good morning, bae."But before she could respond, he deftly turned toward her, pinning her beneath him. His lips gently met hers, and his large frame enveloped her. The echoes of last night lingered in his mind, making restraint impossible.Her hand snaked to rest on his shoulder as she teased, "Don't you ever

The next morning, Vivian stirred from a dream, ensconced within the warmth of Louis's arms. Opening her eyes, she found his gaze already on her, a sleepy softness still evident. Her heart swelled with emotion, memories of the previous day flooding back — the perilous moment when she had almost lost him forever.With clarity, she understood the depth of her feelings for Louis and cherished the protective comfort of his embrace.Noticing the glint of tears in her eyes, Louis delicately brushed them away with his thumb, murmuring, "It's okay now. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."Hearing those words, Vivian's heart fluttered. She recalled the obstacles they had overcome to be together.Louis gently cradled Vivian's face, drawing her closer. Their lips met in a whisper of a kiss, teasing and tender. Breaking away, she let out a soft laugh, standing and wrapping herself in a blanket. She threw a playful glance towards the bed, where Louis lay exposed."Seems you're feeling quite free