Chapter Thirty Two

After lunch, Kimberly decided it was time for an outing. “You need a change of scenery,” she declared, already grabbing her purse and keys. Their first stop was a luxurious spa nestled in the heart of the city, a place known for its serene ambiance and top-tier treatments. As soon as Alice stepped inside, she was enveloped by the soothing scent of lavender and the gentle strains of instrumental music playing in the background. The tension in her shoulders began to ease almost immediately.

“You need to relax,” Kimberly insisted as they changed into plush, white robes. “And nothing does that better than a full-body massage.”

Alice sighed as she lay face-down on the massage table, her body sinking into the soft padding. The skilled hands of the masseuse worked their magic, kneading away the knots of stress and worry that had built up over the past few weeks. Beside her, Kimberly chuckled softly.

“Admit it, you needed this,” Kimberly teased, her voice muffled slightly as she rested her face in the cradle of the massage table.

“Yes, I really did,” Alice murmured, her voice drowsy and content. “This feels… amazing.”

After their massages, they indulged in facials and a warm herbal soak, leaving the spa feeling lighter, refreshed, and glowing. But Kimberly wasn’t done yet. She had a full day planned, and next on the agenda was a visit to an upscale boutique.

“You need confidence, Alice,” Kimberly said as they stepped into the chic store, “and nothing boosts a woman’s confidence like the perfect outfit.”

Alice rolled her eyes playfully. “Are you saying I don’t dress well?”

“You dress *safe*,” Kimberly corrected with a wink. “And today, we’re ditching safe.”

Under Kimberly’s guidance, Alice found herself trying on dresses she never would have picked on her own—bold colors, figure-hugging fabrics, and styles that made her feel both powerful and feminine. When she stepped out of the fitting room in a deep red dress that hugged her curves perfectly, Kimberly let out an appreciative whistle.

“Now *that* is a woman who knows her worth,” Kimberly said, her eyes gleaming with approval.

Alice turned to the mirror, running her hands over the fabric. She had to admit… she looked good. The dress made her feel confident, radiant, and, for the first time in a while, like herself again.

They wrapped up their outing at a cozy rooftop café, sipping iced lattes and enjoying a stunning view of the city skyline. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over everything. Kimberly leaned back in her chair, resting her chin on her palm as she studied Alice.

“So,” Kimberly said, her tone casual but her gaze sharp, “how are you feeling?”

Alice smiled, a genuine one this time. “Very much better. I really needed this. Thank you, Kim.”

“Anytime,” Kimberly replied with a grin. Then her expression softened, turning more serious. “So… what’s next for you?”

Alice exhaled, stirring her drink thoughtfully. “I think I might just start working on my own blog,” she said after a moment. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and now feels like the right time.”

“Great idea,” Kimberly said, her smile returning. “And I’ll be here to help you whenever you need it.”

“Thank you,” Alice said, her gratitude evident in her voice.

Kimberly raised her glass, her eyes sparkling with mischief and warmth. “To new beginnings.”

Alice clinked her glass against hers, smiling. “To new beginnings.”

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Alice headed home after her day with Kimberly, feeling lighter and more hopeful than she had in weeks. As she stepped into the living room, she immediately noticed Grandma Janet seated comfortably on one of the elegant armchairs. The older woman’s glasses were perched low on her nose as she carefully examined a set of fabric swatches and design sketches laid out on the coffee table. A soft lamp illuminated her, casting a warm glow over the space.

Hearing Alice’s footsteps, Grandma Janet glanced up, a small smile forming on her lips. “Ah, there you are, dear.”

Alice hesitated for a moment, suddenly feeling like a child caught sneaking back home past curfew. She stepped forward and lowered herself onto the couch across from her. “Good evening, Grandma.”

The older woman studied her carefully, her sharp eyes missing nothing. “You were out all day,” she noted casually, smoothing a delicate floral print fabric between her fingers. “I assume you had a pleasant time?”

Alice nodded. “Yes, I was with Kimberly. We had a little girls’ day out—shopping, spa, lunch. It was nice.”

Grandma Janet’s smile deepened as she set the fabric aside and folded her hands in her lap. “Good. It’s important to have friends who remind you to enjoy life.”

Alice smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Grandma Janet’s words were simple, but they carried a weight of understanding and support.

“Now come,” Grandma Janet said, gesturing to the sketches and swatches on the table. “Help me decide which of these designs should go into my next collection.”

Alice blinked, momentarily thrown by the sudden shift. Then, with a small, grateful smile, she nodded and reached for the sketches. For now, this was enough.

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The afternoon sun bathed the city in a warm, golden glow as Alice made her way to the upscale restaurant where Marla and Flynn had insisted on meeting her. She had been hesitant at first, her mind still tangled in the aftermath of recent events, but she knew isolating herself wouldn’t do her any good. Reluctantly, she had agreed, hoping the distraction would help clear her thoughts.

The restaurant was a blend of elegance and vibrancy, its atmosphere alive with the gentle hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the soft strains of jazz playing in the background. Alice scanned the room and immediately spotted Marla and Flynn at a corner table by the window. Their faces lit up the moment they saw her.

“Alice! Over here!” Marla called out, waving enthusiastically.

Alice smiled as she approached, slipping into the chair across from them. “Sorry if I kept you waiting,” she said, her tone light.

“It’s about time you showed up,” Flynn teased, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “We were about to send out a search party.”

“Oh, please,” Alice rolled her eyes playfully, though her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Where’s your husband?” Flynn asked casually, his tone laced with curiosity.

“He’s at the office,” Alice replied simply, her voice steady.

Marla sighed, her expression tinged with disappointment. “We thought he’d be here with you.”

“You didn’t invite him, did you?” Alice asked, her brow furrowing slightly.

“No, but I assumed he’d tag along since you were coming,” Marla explained.

Alice shrugged. “Apparently, he’s missed a lot of work. He had to dive right back in.”

“Obviously,” Flynn interjected, his smirk widening. “He’s become quite responsible after marrying you—or dare I say, after your engagement.”

Alice raised an eyebrow, knowing full well that Kelvin was far from responsible. He was likely somewhere with Anita, not buried in paperwork at the office.

“The miracles marriage can do,” Marla said, shaking her head with a smirk. “I’m happy for him, though. There’s a future for the Sanders empire now.”

“Yeah,” Flynn chimed in, his tone turning more serious. “You know, we were all certain that if Kelvin didn’t step up and stayed away from Anita—as Madame Janet had instructed—the entire Sanders company would’ve been sold off, and the proceeds handed to charity.”

Alice’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Marla confirmed. “But Kelvin was wise to obey.”

“Plus, that Anita girl is devious,” Flynn added, his expression darkening. “There’s something sinister about her. I’ve never liked her, and I never will. I don’t know what Kelvin saw in her.”

“But thank God, Kelvin left her for a gem,” Marla said, grinning at Alice.

Alice’s stomach churned. If only they knew the truth—that Kelvin was still with Anita and had plans to divorce her the moment he secured his inheritance.

Soon, the waiter arrived with menus, and the group began browsing their options. Just as they were about to place their orders, a familiar voice interrupted them.

“I’m sorry, I’m late.”

Alice looked up, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Daniel standing beside the table, looking effortlessly handsome in his casual attire. His eyes met hers, and she felt a familiar flutter in her chest.

“Daniel!” Marla exclaimed, her smile warm and welcoming. “Finally, the squad’s complete.”

Daniel took a seat beside Alice, his presence immediately easing some of the tension she had been carrying.

Flynn smirked. “What took you so long?”

Daniel chuckled. “A little work held me up.”

The conversation quickly picked up, with Flynn recounting a hilarious incident from his latest trip abroad, making Marla nearly choke on her drink. Alice found herself laughing more than she had in days, feeling lighter in their company—especially with Daniel around.

When the waiter arrived with their food, the group dug in, the lighthearted chatter continuing throughout the meal. For the first time in what felt like forever, Alice felt at peace.

As lunch came to an end, everyone said their goodbyes and headed home—except for Daniel and Alice. After leaving the restaurant, Alice instructed her driver to go home, then followed Daniel to his car. The warm afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the city, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers from a nearby park.

“Where are we going?” Alice asked, curiosity lacing her voice as they reached his car.

Daniel shot her a sideways glance, a smirk playing on his lips. “Somewhere quiet. A place where no one we know will see us.”

Alice arched a brow but didn’t press further. She trusted him.

They drove for a while, climbing higher into the hills that overlooked the city. When Daniel finally pulled over, Alice stepped out and was instantly taken aback by the breathtaking view before her. The city stretched endlessly beneath them, its skyline glowing under the golden hues of the setting sun. The gentle hum of life below felt distant, almost like a different world. Up here, everything was still, peaceful.

“Wow,” Alice breathed, walking closer to the edge of the lookout point. “This is... incredible.”

Daniel leaned against a nearby railing, watching her with a small smile. “I knew you’d like it.”

Alice turned to him. “This reminds me of the ship’s deck.”

Daniel nodded. “Yeah... a lot of wonderful memories come to mind from that place.”

Alice smiled softly, recalling her first kiss with him. “Those memories are well guarded in my heart.”

He met her gaze, his voice low and filled with emotion. “Even in my heart too.”

Her breath caught at the way he said it—so sincere, so full of unspoken feelings.

They stood there in silence for a while, watching as the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.

Suddenly, Daniel turned to her, his hand outstretched. “Dance with me.”

Alice looked at him, perplexed. “There’s no music.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

As if on cue, a small band appeared and began playing a soft, romantic song.

Alice let out a soft chuckle. “So, you planned this?”

Daniel smirked. “Yes.”

He took a step closer, his hand still outstretched. “Dance with me?”

Alice hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding. Then, with a small smile, she placed her hand in his.

Daniel pulled her close, his arms wrapping securely around her waist while hers rested lightly on his shoulders. They swayed gently to the music, the cool evening breeze brushing against their skin.

Alice could feel his warmth, the steady rise and fall of his chest, the subtle strength in the way he held her. Everything about this moment felt... right.

“This is beautiful,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Daniel’s grip tightened slightly. “You’re beautiful.”

Alice blushed, her cheeks warming under his gaze.

Daniel brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering against her cheek. “I’ve missed you, Alice—your smile, your voice, your presence.”

His gaze dropped to her lips, and Alice felt her pulse quicken.

“I missed you too, Daniel...” she whispered.

“Alice,” he said softly, his forehead resting against hers.

The air between them was charged, the unspoken tension growing thicker with each passing second. Alice felt herself getting lost in him, in the way he held her, the way he looked at her like she was the only thing that mattered.

But before either of them could cross that final line, Daniel remembered his promise to her. Slowly and gently, he pulled back. Alice rested her head on his chest as they continued to sway to the music.

They stayed there for a long while, talking, laughing, and dreaming of a future together—even if the chances of it ever happening felt slim. For now, in this moment, they allowed themselves to hope.