Andrei and Cristine strolled through the garden. The estate grounds were bathed in the glow of twilight, the fading sun casting gentle shadows across the neatly kept rows of flowers and stone paths. Cristine glanced up at Andrei, who walked close beside her, his expression relaxed as he took in the garden. It was rare to see him this way, unguarded, and the sight made her heart beat a little faster.
After the doctor’s advice, they’d spent more time together, growing comfortable in each other’s presence beyond the confines of their contract. Tonight, the energy between them felt different—charged yet calm, like a quiet storm building in the background. They had shared laughter over dinner, reminiscing about favorite books and the occasional memory that felt intimate, yet natural. It was as
