|Grace| I sank into the plush chair on the lanai, the ocean breeze gently rustling the pages of the book resting on my lap. The sun bathed the beach in a warm, golden light, with shadows from the palm leaves playfully dancing on the white sand. The serene sight of the clear pool waters in front of me added to the tranquility. I wrapped my fingers around the delicate handle of the teacup, lifting it to my lips and savoring the aromatic Earl Grey, its comforting warmth spreading through me. Silvester had slipped out a few hours earlier, leaving behind only a terse "important matters to attend." His absence was a welcome reprieve, giving me the space to mull over his proposal. Moving into his penthouse—an enticing offer, glittering like a forbidden fruit. But it came with its own set of sha