I didn't take Ashton's effort lightly. After finishing the breakfast he had prepared for me, I sent him a simple message: "Thank you."

Two small words, but they carried more weight than they seemed. I didn't want to take his kindness for granted.

After sending the message, I busied myself with the trinkets I had bought from the night market the night before. I hadn't even gotten far when my phone rang.

For a fleeting moment, my heart raced. I felt ...