Eric's POV

I awoke the following morning, my heart filled with hope and a gentle smile gracing my lips. Thoughts of Stephen, his mischievous grin and magnetic personality, consumed my mind. It felt as if I had discovered a missing piece of myself whenever we were together.

Lying on my bed, I stretched my limbs, relishing in the morning breeze that caressed my skin. Memories of our time intertwined replayed in my thoughts, and I couldn't shake off the comforting warmth of ...