로그인Johnny and Charlotte spent the hours in lazy harmony… wandering the shore hand in hand, skipping stones across the glassy lake, sharing stories from their childhoods that made them laugh until their sides ached. Johnny told her about the time he’d tried to build a treehouse at eight years old and ended up with a splintered mess and a black eye; Charlotte countered with her disastrous attempt at baking her first cake for her sister’s birthday, which had somehow turned into a brick-hard disaster that even the dog wouldn’t dare touchAs the afternoon sun began its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of apricot and lavender, Johnny led her back inside the cabin. “I have something for you” he said in a low mysterious voice and a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.Charlotte tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “Another surprise? You can do prepared”He chuckled, pulling her close for a quick kiss. “Get used to it” He disappeared into the bedroom for a moment,
She opened the bedroom door.And stopped.Red rose petals… hundreds of them… were scattered across the floor in a deliberate trail, forming a perfect, winding path that started at her feet and disappeared down the hallway.She followed itBarefoot and with her heart beating too fast, she stepped carefully over the soft petals… they were still fragrant because the scent filled the space.The trail led her past the living room, through the open kitchen, and out the French doors onto the wide back deck.Cool morning air kissed her skin. The lake beyond shimmered like liquid silver and mist still clinging to the surface. Birds called softly from the pines. Everything felt hushed and natural The petal path continued down the three short wooden stairs, across the grass, and toward the small fenced relaxation area tucked beside the cabin. It was a private nook Johnny had shown her on their first full day here: white wooden lattice overgrown with climbing roses, a pergola draped in fairy lig
“I know that. But now everything has changed. Allow somebody love you girl" “I’m still figuring it out though” she admitted. “He moves fast. Like… really fast. He calls me Sweet names in public, kisses me like we’re the only two people in the room, talks about the future like it’s already happening. Part of me wants to pump the brakes just to prove I still have control. The other part wants to run straight into whatever this is and not look back”Dana reached across the table and squeezed Joan’s wrist. “Then run if you have to. Or walk. Or crawl. Just don’t stand still because you’re scared of falling and miss something good. You’ve spent too many years standing still”Joan let out a watery laugh. “When did you get so wise?”“I’ve always been wise” Dana said, tossing her hair dramatically. “You were just too busy being the responsible one to notice”They both laughed then. “He wants me to meet his friends” she said after a moment. “meet them properly and not just bump into them. He’
“Hey, babygirl” Vick murmured in a low voice.Her breath hitched. She hadn’t seen him approach… hadn’t even realized he was in the room until now.“Hey” she answered, suddenly shy.Dana’s eyes went wide, darting between them like she was watching a tennis match in fast-forward. Joan didn't miss the look on Dana's face… But she would deal with her friend's questions later.Vick lifted his gaze to George. The look he gave the other man was calm, polite and utterly lethal.“What did you say about giving her your number?” Vick asked mildly. “I already have it. I’ll make sure she gets it” This was him dismissing the other man.George blinked. Once. Twice. Then the easy smile on his face slipped. “Right” he said, standing up. He nodded stiffly at Joan, then Dana. “Ladies. Enjoy your evening”He turned and walked away.Vick slid into the chair beside Joan without asking. He draped one arm along the back of her seat, fingers brushing the bare skin of her shoulder. Then he leaned in and slowl
Vick sat in the dimly lit corner booth of The Obsidian Lounge, a sleek, upscale spot on the top floor of one of Zenith Group’s flagship properties in downtown Vancouver. A jazz trio played softly in the far corner while waitstaff in crisp black vests moved like shadows between tables. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a glittering view of the city skyline, lights smearing into golden streaks against the early-evening dusk.Across from Vick sat George Devan, CEO of Zenith Group and one of the principal investors in Vick’s latest venture: a chain of boutique wellness retreats targeting high-net-worth clients. George was dressed in a charcoal suit, and he sat with an easy confidence that came from closing nine-figure deals before breakfast. Right now he was leaning forward, elbows on the table, gesturing with his hand“…the wellness angle is smart” George was saying. “Post-pandemic burnout is still a goldmine. People want privacy, nature, and someone telling them they’re worth the
He kept up a quiet commentary as they drove, pointing out landmarks only locals would know. “That ridge over there? My grandfather used to take me hiking when I was a kid. Said the view from the top made you feel like you could touch the stars. And that little river we just crossed? Best trout fishing in the province. Dad and I would spend whole weekends out there, just the two of us”Charlotte listened, soaking in every word. She loved how Johnny spoke about this place… not with pride of ownership, but with reverence, as though the land itself had raised him.Within twenty minutes, the trees thinned and the first signs of civilization appeared: a weathered wooden welcome sign that read “City Aurora – Population 5,812” a single gas station with a flickering neon sign, and then the main street opened before them.It was small… charmingly, unpretentiously small. A single main drag lined with mom-and-pop shops, a hardware store with a faded red awning, a bakery whose windows glowed with







