I love you, Anna

As the towel slipped from Anna's grasp, a gasp escaped her lips and her cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and vulnerability. Stephen's immediate apology was a lifeline in that moment, and she quickly scrambled to tie the towel back around her, her heart still racing.

With her voice slightly shaky, Anna managed to reassure him that it was alright, even though her nerves were still tingling from the unexpected encounter. Her assumption that he had left seemed logical, but she was taken aback as he turned back to her.

"Sorry for freaking you out," Stephen said, averting his gaze. He was clearly embarrassed by the situation.

"It's... it's fine," Anna responded, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness. She was relieved that he wasn't looking at her while she regained her composure.

Once she had the towel securely wrapped around her, she finally spoke up again. "I thought you had left," she said, trying to sound casual even though her heart was still racing.

Stephen's gaze ret