The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting silvery shadows on the ground. Olivia kept her gaze ahead, her thoughts racing. The evening had been unexpectedly pleasant, far removed from the tension she had anticipated. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she needed to maintain her distance from Asher.
When they reached the edge of the forest path leading to her home, Olivia abruptly stopped walking. Asher paused besides her, looking at her with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"There’s no need for you to walk me all the way home," Olivia said, her voice firm but gentle. "I can go on my own from here."
Asher frowned, a trace of worry clouding his features. "It’s late, Olivia. I’d feel better if I saw you home safely."
Olivia shook her head, a small smile playing on her li
