The vacation had been a collage of calm family days and unexpected reunions, each moment layered with the warmth of familiarity and the bittersweet tang of memories. For the most part, I had tried to focus on the peaceful rhythm of our getaway. I’d spent plenty of time with Ethan, who had seamlessly woven his way into my life. And yet, amidst the laughter and lazy days by the pool, there was another presence, Lucas.
Lucas had a way of appearing when I least expected him, slipping into the edges of my vision like a mischievous ghost of the past. I never planned on thinking about him, let alone feeling anything at all. But somehow, the old spark flickered to life every time he teased me with that familiar, devilish grin.
The family had planned a relaxed afternoon at the resort’s pool area
