The evening air in the Maldives was warm and perfumed with sea salt and flowers, the kind of softness that made everything feel lighter than it really was. It clung warm and velvety against Angela's skin as she walked down to the dining terrace, the ocean's hush echoing under the soft thrum of island music.

Daniel was already waiting for her at a candlelit table by the water. He rose when she approached, his smile broad and easy, eyes glinting in the light of the torches.

"Angela," he said, ...