The low hum of ocean waves drifted in from the open balcony, steady and rhythmic, as if the sea itself were breathing beside them. A breeze fluttered through the sheer curtains, tugging them inward and making them sway like ghosts. The resort was quiet, and the world outside had shrunk to this one, glowing room.
Isabelle curled deeper into the corner of the oversized sofa, her legs tucked beneath her. The soft white of Sebastian’s shirt hung loosely over her skin, the fabric still faintly warm from his body. She sipped her mint tea slowly, letting it soothe her. Her skin carried traces of salt from their earlier swim, her hair damp and coiled over one shoulder, smelling faintly of jasmine.
For the first time in a long while, she felt calm.
Not distracted. Not pretending.
Just still.
S
