Ella The shadows on the ceiling seemed to sway and dance as I lay on the plush bed, the soft linens providing little comfort to my restless mind. Each tick of the ornate clock on the wall reverberated in my ears, amplifying my rising anxiety. But it was the silence that was the loudest of all, the quiet punctuated only by my shallow breaths.

Ella After cleaning and dressing Logan’s wound, I sat back, studying his face for any sign of discomfort. The room was still, save for the quiet rhythmic rise and fall of his chest. Warm light from the garage lamps washed over us from above, casting a soft glow that etched out the angles and curves of his face. I never thought that I would find a garage comforting, but something about this place made me feel warm and surprisingly safe.

 Ella A slight heaviness was felt when I lifted the ornate box, hinting at something more substantial than just fabric within. With bated breath, I carefully tugged the ribbon apart and lifted the lid to unveil its contents. Inside lay an intricately crafted dress in a silver hue that perfectly complemented my skin tone. It shimmered as I held it in the light, its sheer beauty leaving me momentarily

 Ella Leonard’s surprise was palpable. His usually stoic face now registered a mix of confusion and, was that disbelief? The bustling restaurant patio, filled with the scent of seafood and the ocean air, seemed to fade into the background. All that remained in focus was the tense standoff that had unwittingly begun our corner, all thanks to Harry.

 Ella Leonard’s face was a tapestry of smug delight, every wrinkle and crease accentuating his satisfaction. “Well, well, Miss Ella. I must say, I’m delighted,” he drawled, leaning casually against the tall table behind him. “I look forward to the grand occasion of meeting my soon-to-be in-laws.”