Francis gazed deeply into Zoey's eyes, almost as if making a vow. "I'll wrap up this deal as soon as possible, but I need a little more time."
"What do I need to do?" Zoey asked.
"Nothing. Just keep yourself safe and be patient." Francis smiled gently, a smile Alan would never have.
"Why?" Zoey was puzzled. "In just one day, you seem like a different person."
"One day was enough for me to reflect on my mistakes," Francis said, gently brushing Zoey's cheek with his knuckles as if she were a fragile porcelain doll. "I underestimated how much you mean to me, Zoey. The key is important to me, but you are too."
Francis leaned in, giving Zoey a restrained hug. "Even after two years of being apart, you're still the most special person to me. I'm going to end this mess and get us back on trac
