hing felt effortless. The city lights, the breeze, the rooftop laughter, the

it was Satu

y smile playing on her lips. Her eyes had a glow she hadn't seen in years. A kin

nd she could hear Linda singing off-key to a worship song on

hair back into a bun, and pa

laimed, flipping a ver

. Bar

sing a wink over her shoulder. "I kne

ng some juice. "It wasn't jus

er a plate. "H

sten - he asked the kind of questions th

. "And you didn't feel

elt like a person. Like a w

king of cutlery and soft music filling the

he has mon

slowly. "

w money brin

es

ntle. "So... how do

quietly.

linked.

o change. And if it's not... I'll have to let go

e and squeezed her hand. "Wha

hing heavy after his morning reps. But it wasn't the weight training that made his chest feel

nce, just before wa

t small moment had

omeone - anyone - befo

a protein shake, and made

t reports. When he saw his brother's face

about the girl aga

o the chair oppo

eyes. "Bro, it's

el like I've kn

intrigued now. "So

ot. But I haven't told her anyth

sional scamming and business launder

on't make it so

s what

is hands. "I want to

arpened. "You'r

a

ort and cold. "Be

I want something... pure. Clean

And what about me? You want to walk ou

'm walking toward something bette

idn't

d. "Think

elf checking her phone more often than she cared to

crept in like u

changed

aid somet

'm not

he'd almost convinced

r phone

a

ing about you... and praying.

e message t

deep breath

e

morrow

limmered across the water, casting a soft golden glow on everything.

r hair in a loose braid. Jake was already there,

as she ap

" he

H

them was full of questio

led. "I need to te

d at him,

and I had to make things happen. We learned how to

d her hea

not proud of. Legal - barely

n't int

idn't want to lose you. But I also do

ent for a l

"Thank you. For

her, startled

id gently. "But I appreciate the truth. No

acked slight

it's not just about trust. It

want to be better. Not jus

. "Then we'll grow toget

earts beating a little steadier, breaths a little deeper - two

Maria knocked so

id, brushing her

ng on the edge of the bed

other's gaze.

you something, daughter. Not as your

iled.

e give you peace - not butterflies, b

ded. "Yes. Even in his flaws, I s

rehead. "Then I wil

, Jake knelt at his bedside

right words. He didn'

had one

hy of the love You'

often cruel and

e heart speaks,