oment, she simply lay there, her body still tingling from the night before, savoring the peacefulness of the moment. The even

emed when he was at rest. The powerful, confident billionaire was now just a man, vulnerable, weak, meek and open in sleep. She thought about the previous night, a one-night stand she m

ly work?" she th

dn't deny the connection they've shared, the way he made her fee

ed her e

slow, lazy smile spread across his face, and he reached out to brush a strand

ed, her heart skipping a be

enjoying the quiet intimacy of the moment. Then, as reality began to creep

ly, her voice hesitant. "I really do

nking about that too," he admitted, propping himself up on one elbow to look at her

ther do I," she confessed. "But I'm also aware of how complic

er hand in his. "But I've never met anyone like you, Elena. And I

reassured her. "So do I," she said, squeezing his hand

. We need to be honest with each other,

ng a sense of relief at t

eight of their decision to settle in. Then Adrian smiled again, a teasing

er doubts. "I suppose it does," she said, leaning in to kiss him softly. "But

deepening the kiss before finally pulling

settling in like a warm blanket. There was something liberating about the clarity they had reached-no more doubts, no more se

-

y. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the sound of light chatter from the o

d of excited when Lily called her asking of her well

illionaire and the one night stand and all the whirlwind of events that had unfolded in the past few

ard with a mischievous grin. "Okay, spill it. Something's going on w

yes sparkling with curiosity. "Yes, tell us

alright. I'll tell you," she said, taking a deep b

er grin widening. "Now I

ready!" Lily added, boun

as she started to recount the events. "I met someo

ion. "Wait, Blackwood Industri

their reactions. "Yes. And the 'him' I'm

of her head. "You're dating Adrian Blackwood?" Mia excla

onished expressions. "Yes. We've been spending a lot of time

That's amazing! But also, how did this happen? I mean, he'

lly. "Our little Elena, dating a

crazy. But it just... happened. We connected in a way I didn't expec

mance novel. I'm so happy for you, Elena. But... are you sure

We're going to take things slow, figure it out as we go. But I've never f

. "We're here for you, no matter what," Mia said, her tone serious. "But just promise

ling with gratitude for her

her. She knew there were challenges ahead, but with Adrian by her side

ears of friendship could bring. Elena felt lighter than she had in days, the excitement o

couldn't help but feel hopeful about the future. There were still many unknowns, but fo

s, she couldn't help but smile, thinking about

-