Zac no longer looked like the carefree yboy he used to be. Gone were the days of aimless partying and reckless spending.
Now, he had the demeanor of a true business executive–serious, focused, and responsible. His connection with Ethan had grown distant, too.
On the other end of the line, Ethan chuckled.
“Man, you won’t believe who I just saw.”
“Who?” Zac asked, already at his office door but pausing before entering.
“Come on, take a guess,” Ethan teased, a hint of excitement in <b>his </b>voice.
“I don’t have time for games. Spill it, or I’m hanging up,” Zac warned, his patience thin.
Ethanughed.
“Fine, fine. I just saw your ex–Charlotte Riley.”
Zac’s steps froze. He didn’t move, his hand still resting on the doorknob.
After a brief pause, Ethan continued, “And she wasn’t alone. She was with her boyfriend–Sean Jasper, the heir to the Jasper family. They looked pretty cozy, walking around holding hands.<b>” </b>
Silence stretched on Zac’s end.
His breathing grew heavier, his voice tightening<b>, </b>turning rough.
“Where?”
“In Anne City<b>, </b>at Linton Springs, right at the base of Westpeak Mountain.”
Charlotte had taken care of the amodations for this trip.
The town was still rtively undeveloped—small and charming, without any big–name hotels. Instead, it was known <b>for </b><b>its </b><b>cozy</b>, family–run bed–and–breakfasts.
Charlotte chose a B&B with a perfect location. The moment she opened the window, she was greeted by a breathtaking view <b>of </b>the snow–capped mountains.
<b>It </b>was peak tourist season in Linton Springs, and the town was bustling with life.
But on their first day, exhausted from the journey<b>, </b>Charlotte and Sean didn’t explore<b>. </b>Instead<b>, </b>they curled up in their room and put on a movie.
Charlotte picked a ssic-*Atonement*, starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightley.
Warm air filled the room, the lighting was soft and dim, and an intimate<b>, </b>cozy atmosphere <b>settled </b>around them.
Leaning against Sean’s shoulder<b>, </b>Charlotte watched intently. Even though she knew it was <b>a </b>tragedy, the ending still got to <b>her</b><b>, </b>and she couldn’t stop her tears
<b>sat </b>from spilling over.
Her eyes reddened, and her voice trembled with emotion.
“It’s so tragic… Cecelia and Robbie loved each other so much, but because of Briony’s lie, they were kept apart for years. And in the end, they never got to see each other again.”
She let out a sigh, frustration mixing with her sadness.
“Atonement? How could she ever alone? Briony’s guilt can never bring them back They’re gone forever. They’ll never meet again.”
Sean gently rubbed her back,forting her
“But they did meet <b>in </b>another world.”
Outside the window<b>, </b>snow began to fall
Linton Springs, located further north at the foot of the mountains, weed winter earlier than the city. Snowkes drifted down in a gentle, endless dance.
Snowkes drifted quietly down, covering the world in a gentle white hush
Sean leaned closer<b>, </b>his lips brushing against Charlotte’s forehead
“Lottie<b>, </b>it’s snowing<b>.</b>”
But Charlotte was still caught up in the sadness of the movie, her mood heavy.
<b>Sean’s </b>arms wrapped around her<b>, </b><b>drawing </b>her closer<b>. </b>His face leaned in until his nose touched hers.
His voice was <b>a </b>soft<b>, </b>velvety murmur<b>, </b>dripping with affection.
“Lottie<b>, </b><b>stop </b>crying. <b>If </b>your <b>eyes </b>get all puffy<b>, </b>how are you going to take cute photos tomorrow?”
A tearfulugh escaped her<b>, </b>and she looked up at him, amused despite herself.
<b>“</b>Whoforts someone like that?”
“But I’m right, aren’t I?” Sean chuckled, wiping away the lingering tears from her cheeks.
<b>“</b>You love taking beautiful photos. Swollen eyes won’t do.”
Charlotte sniffled, the weight on her chest easing. His logic was ridiculous, but it worked.
Sean’s thumb gently wiped away thest of her tears.
<b>“</b>Good girls who stop crying get a reward.”
He held out his palm, revealing a piece of candy.
Charlotte’s voice was still a little thick from crying.
“Are you treating me like a child now?”
<b>“</b>You are a child–my child,” Sean teased, his smile warm and indulgent.
Charlotte took the candy from his hand, unwrapped it, and popped it in her mouth.
It was her favorite–peach vor.
With that tiny, sugaryfort, her mood lifted.
“Feeling better?” Sean’s voice was low and slightly hoarse<b>. </b>
Charlotte nodded.
<b>“</b><b>Yeah</b>.”
Sean leaned closer<b>, </b>his lips brushing against her ear.
“Now that I’ve cheered you up, don’t you think I deserve a little reward too?”
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