The city was drowning in the late afternoon glow by the time Jessica arrived at Alex’s condo. Manila Bay shimmered in the distance, sunlight reflecting like shards of broken glass on the water. She still wore her academic gown over her borrowed dress, the weight of the fabric suddenly feeling suffocating.
Her friends had begged her to stay, to join them for dinner, to celebrate properly. But she couldn't. She had to see him.
When she entered, the room was dimly lit, the curtains half-drawn. The familiar scent of his cologne lingered in the air. There was soft jazz playing, expensive, deliberate, and on the small table near the window sat two crystal glasses and a bottle of wine already opened. He had been waiting.
Alex turned when she stepped inside. He was out of his suit jacket, his t
