Sophia’s POV
Something in me had… settled.
Not completely.
Not perfectly.
But enough.
Like a storm that had finally decided to rest, even if just for a moment.
I was still in Colton’s arms when I realized it.
That tight, suffocating weight that had been sitting on my chest since everything started…
It had eased.
Not gone.
But lighter.
Breathable.
I pulled back slowly, looking up at him, my fingers still curled slightly into his shirt.
“I feel…” I paused, searching for the right word. “Better.”
His thumb brushed against my cheek again, softer this time.
“Good,” he said quietly.
And for once…
I believed it.
“I should go downstairs,” I added after a moment, glancing toward the door. “My parents…”
A small, almost shy smile touched my lips.
“They probably think I’ve complete
