~ALINA’S POV~
The engine hummed low as the car coasted through the winding alleys of Queens Road. It was a narrow road tucked at the edge of Toronto’s heart—cracked, cluttered, and always buzzing with life.
On either side of the street, makeshift tents, broken crates, and bundles of faded blankets spilled onto the sidewalk like discarded memories.
The sun had begun its slow descent, dyeing the sky a bruised orange as it filtered through grimy building windows.
I was behind the wheel, one hand gripping the steering while the other hovered over a small stack of papers lying on the dashboard.
My eyes flicked down to them again—thin, sharp-edged, like they still carried the weight of betrayal.
The documents Ethan had returned.
I bit my lower lip, exhaling.
“I can’t believe Valentino
