Karina:

The car was quiet, save for the soft hum of the engine and the faint rustle of trees as we passed them. I stared out the window, watching the city blur past me in a kaleidoscope of lights, but my mind wasn’t on the scenery. I could feel the weight of Michael’s presence beside me. He was calm, his hands steady on the wheel, his focus on the road ahead. 

I risked a glance at him, sneaking a peek from the corner of my eye. His golden hair caught the street lights, and ...