ISLA I hadn’t expected to enjoy the beach as much as I did. The soft sand under my feet, the sound of the waves crashing—it was so peaceful. But it was more than that. It was because Oliver, of all people, had brought me here, and he wasn’t acting as cold as usual. Today, he was different—playful, even. I never imagined that underneath his control and seriousness, there was a man who knew how to have fun. As we walked back to the car, I could still feel the warmth of the day on my skin. The cool evening breeze brushed my face, carrying the scent of the ocean. I noticed Oliver glancing at me. His expression was the same as always—hard to read—but something in the way he looked at me felt different. “So, do I get a thank you?” he asked, his voice softer than usual. I looked at him, confu

