The city was quiet under a thick, glistening blanket of snow. Streetlights reflected off the icy pavements, and the muffled hum of distant traffic made the world feel soft and hushed. Emma’s apartment, usually alive with the hum of her laptop and conference calls, seemed almost serene tonight. But inside, her heart raced—not from work stress, but anticipation.
She had just received word from her team: the client loved the final presentation. Weeks of late nights, edits, and strategic revisions had paid off. Her designs would be implemented across multiple markets, and her role was being recognized at an international level. It was a moment she had worked toward for years, yet the victory felt bittersweet.
She reached for her phone and immediately dialed Liam. The phone rang twice before
