Vera stood in the middle of her room, frowning at the open suitcase sprawled across her bed. Her fingers hovered over a sarong, then moved to a white summer dress, then to a folded bikini top—only to drop them all back in frustration.
What do you even pack when you’re going to the beach with a man who barely tolerates you, and two people who are in love? she thought bitterly.
The soft crash of ocean waves played in her mind, taunting her with a serenity she hadn’t earned yet. She sighed, pushing a few sundresses, a scarf, sandals, and a book into the suitcase. She added the bikini and a thin wrap in a moment of last-minute decision, then zipped the bag shut, hoping she hadn’t forgotten something important.
Just as she lowered the suitcase beside the bed, the door creaked open without a knock. Roman stepped in, dressed in a simple black shirt with sleeves rolled up, his watch glinting against his wrist.
“We’re leaving in five,” he said plainly.
Vera straightened. “Okay,” she said softl
