—Eloise—

The first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the sound of waves.

For a few seconds, I didn't remember where I was until I turned my head and saw the ocean stretching beyond the glass doors of the villa, bright under the morning sun.

Hawaii.

A smile touched my lips.

For the first time in days, I didn't feel like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.

No Caleb. No engagement party. No Séraphina. No questions I wasn't ready to answer.

Just ...