Meret took the advice Lisa and Kael had given her, trying not to let Bruce get to her anymore. She focused on herself, reminding her heart that peace was better than chasing after someone who no longer saw her the same.

When she finally replied to Ace’s messages, the conversation flowed so naturally that she didn’t realize how much she had missed their bond until that very moment. Talking to him again brought a warmth she hadn’t felt in weeks—and she was glad she reached out.

They spent ...