Damon’s POV

⸻

The first time I ever heard the knock, I thought it was Lina.

She usually showed up unannounced, sometimes with noodles, sometimes with complaints, sometimes with both.

But this knock…

Soft.

Rhythmic.

Almost shy.

I wiped my hands on the kitchen towel and went to the door.

The moment I opened it—

My brain paused.

Completely.

Because standing there was a woman I had never seen before.

A stranger.

Pretty.

Smiling.

Holding a pie like she was ...