The Call That Shattered Paradise

Hawaii was supposed to be a reset.

The ocean breeze, the turquoise water, the soft crash of waves—everything felt like a temporary escape from the storm my life had become. I told myself I needed this business retreat, that it would help me refocus… but deep down I knew I was running.

Running from the mess in my life.

Running from Kai’s unreadable eyes.

Running from Alan’s spiraling emotions.

Running from the ache I had been ignoring for too long.

I stepped out onto the balcony of the resort