Philip waited patiently in the living room, occasionally glancing at his watch. As Lucretia descended the stairs, he froze, captivated by her appearance. She looked effortlessly charming, with her stylish backpack hanging casually on her shoulder, her outfit subtly accentuating her liveliness. Lost in thought, he barely noticed her calling his name.

“Phil…?” she called, waving her hand in front of his face to snap him out of his trance.

He blinked, stumbling back into ...