Amara stepped into the garden quietly, her eyes scanning the space. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting soft shadows across the stone path.
But Adrian wasn't there.
She frowned slightly, her heart sinking. Maybe he changed his mind. Maybe he forgot. Maybe—
Warm arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind.
She gasped softly, startled.
But the moment she felt the familiar strength of his hold, the warmth of his chest against her back, she relaxed completely — leaning into him without thinking.
"Adrian…" she whispered.
He tightened his arms around her, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder. "You came."
"I thought you weren't here," she said quietly.
"I was waiting," he murmured. "Just… not where you expected."
Her cheeks warmed.
He slowly turned her around to face him, his hands gentle on her waist. Amara looked up at him, her breath catching at how close he was.
Adrian studied her face for a moment — her eyes, her expression, the slight blush on her cheeks.
Then he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Her eyes widened, her face heating instantly.
He pulled back just enough to see her reaction, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You're blushing."
"No, I'm not," she whispered, looking away.
"You are," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered for a moment, warm against her skin.
Her heart thudded.
Adrian stepped back slightly and nodded toward the stone bench. "Come sit."
They sat side by side, close enough that their shoulders touched.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Amara whispered, "I really did miss you."
Adrian turned his head, eyes soft. "I know."
She looked down. "I didn't want to say it earlier… because you tease me."
He chuckled quietly. "I tease you because you're cute when you're shy."
Her face warmed again.
Adrian leaned back, watching her with that calm, steady gaze. "I missed you too. More than I expected."
Amara's chest tightened.
He reached out again, gently tucking another loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You looked peaceful last night… when you slept."
She covered her face with her hands. "Don't say that…"
He laughed softly. "Why not? It's true."
Kissed her head finding her cute.
She peeked at him through her fingers, and he smiled — that soft, rare smile he only ever gave her.
"I'm here now," he said quietly.
Amara lowered her hands, her expression softening. "I know."
And sitting there beside him, with the garden quiet and his presence warm beside her, she felt something she hadn't felt in days.
Safe. Calm. Home.