As Aria wrestled with her thoughts, she heard a soft rustling in the trees. Her heart skipped a beat as a familiar scent reached her. She knew who it was even before he stepped into view. Steve emerged from the shadows, his presence as commanding as ever, yet there was a tenderness in his eyes that set her heart at ease.
“Aria,” he said softly, closing the distance between them. “I had a feeling I’d find you here.”
She looked up at him, her emotions raw and visible. “Steve, I don’t know what to do. My father… he’s given me an ultimatum. Either I agree to marry Caleb, or I face the consequences. But the thought of losing you—”
Steve knelt beside her, taking her hands in his. His touch was warm, grounding her in the moment. “We knew this wouldn’t be easy, Aria. But we also knew that what
