Vanya POV

I had never felt so relaxed in years. Sitting across from Richmond in the beautiful restaurant, with soft music playing in the background and the afternoon sun streaming through the large windows, I felt like I could finally breathe again. For the first time in so long, I was having a conversation with someone who actually seemed interested in what I had to say.

"This pasta is incredible," I said, taking another bite of the most delicious food I had ever tasted. "I can't believe ...