C100 The Return

The weeks after Paris fell into a rhythm.

Isabella woke each morning to the sound of waves, to Lucas's laughter, to Sebastian's arms around her waist. She worked in the garden, read stories to Lily, and made pancakes on Sundays. The world felt steady and safe, even in a way it hadn't in years.

But something was different.

She caught herself staring at the ocean, thinking about Damien