As the night deepened, Lucretia and Jayden shared a few more laughs, lingering at their table in the ice cream shop. The air between them was light, with a hint of warmth that only comes from fresh beginnings, even if Lucretia felt a subtle tug in her heart elsewhere. Jayden noticed her distant look at times but chose to enjoy the evening, saying nothing.

“Let’s take a little walk before heading back,” Jayden suggested, getting up to pay the bill. Lucretia nodded with a smile, ...