Erin's fingertips lightly brushed against Orion's cheek as they sat together in the car. Despite having a driver at their disposal, they paid him no attention, lost in each other's company. Orion monopolized her thoughts entirely. The disbelief lingered within Erin as though the day's events existed only in a dream. "Please, tell me this isn't a dream," Erin pleaded. In response, Orion silenced her with a tender kiss, his lips tracing a path down her neck. The driver's cheeks flushed crimson as he glanced at the rearview mirror. He wished he could vanish, overwhelmed by the palpable passion unfolding in the backseat. Their actions were simple yet intimate—kisses exchanged, sweet words whispered. Before long, they arrived back at Orion's residence, where Erin and Lacey were currently staying. Orion scooped Erin into his arms, carrying her inside. As they crossed the threshold, Erin's gaze fell upon a lone suitcase nestled by the doorway, a silent witness to Orion's hurried d

Months later... As the days unfolded amidst the ancient branches of towering trees, a soft breeze caressed the leaves, weaving a delicate melody that echoed the whispers of times past. The relentless march of time had etched its mark upon the weathered gravestones, standing as solemn guardians adorned with the names of those who once thrived with vitality. Some graves bloomed with freshly placed flowers, while others surrendered to the embrace of moss and roots, each telling a tale that had reached their poignant conclusion. Erin tenderly laid a bouquet of pristine white roses before the gravestone of someone she once knew as Orion's wise and strong brother, Daryl. It marked the anniversary of his passing. Having become a part of the Arvesso family through her recent marriage to Orion, Erin joined them in visiting Daryl's resting place. As she fixed her gaze upon the inscription of his name and the date of his death, a pang of guilt coiled around her heart, unseen but deeply f