The soft morning sun rose over the quiet island bay, painting the calm ocean surface in brilliant shades of pink and orange.
Inside the oceanfront villa, the cool morning breeze drifted through the sheer white curtains, bringing with it the crisp smell of salty spray and blooming jasmine.
Evelyn woke up to the gentle sound of water lapping against the wooden pillars beneath the outdoor deck. She turned onto her side, finding the space beside her empty, though the sheets were still warm from Adrian’s body.
She sat up slowly, running a hand through her hair, a quiet smile spreading across her lips. On the nightstand, beside her father's antique silver compass, rested a fresh yellow hibiscus flower and a small hand-written note in Adrian's clean cursive:
“Gone for an early morning swim in
