Chapter 49

Sophia’s POV

I sat down in the garden, and Derick walked over and settled beside me, the late afternoon light softening everything around us. I couldn’t help but feel the intense chemistry between us, undeniable despite everything we’d already survived together.

Somehow, through all of it, we’d found a way to connect on a deeper level than I’d ever expected, something steadier than either of us had probably believed possible a few months earlier.

His hand rested lightly on mine, and I felt my heart skip a beat. I turned to look at him and found his eyes already fixed on me, full of something warm and sincere.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, feeling suddenly self-conscious under his gaze.

“Don’t be sorry,” Derick said, his voice low.