ek

n with breakfast alongside Trent, followed by quiet reading and strol

left by Winter's mother. Trent, however, remained distant, often retr

ek

ing her to immerse herself in literature and cooking. Her attempts at

our on his cheek like a badge of hono

our from her forehead. "I'm

surprise turning into amusement at the

e asked, eyeing the

s!" Winter dec

ection between them before he quickly looked away. "Just make sure she do

r with an unsettling thrill that

k Th

from Wes that morning, she learned she could finally visit Dad. Excited, she prepared his

res, with his familiar grin. "About time! Thought you forgot your

ifted as Winter's concern surfaced. "I saw

ances," Julian replie

tween them. He leaned back, avoiding her gaze. "Wheth

nxiety. "You always sai

ically, "but even kings fall i

hed, "Let's talk abou

h the prince of gold-pl

rificed," she shot bac

"You missed a move that

ed he'd let her win

e winked, and he

-

ek

as Trent began engaging with her over breakfast. When h

e this?"

he replied

he admitted, a genuine

feeling awkward. 'Should I ask

to take yours?"

softly. "Haven't found anyone who

he replied. "That's quite t

tension. In that moment, they enjoyed each other's co