The surprise is going to start

I pulled into the villa's driveway, parking carefully before grabbing the dress and the food.

Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself to act completely normal.

I stepped inside, making sure to close the door quietly.

The house was mostly silent. I figured Elena was probably still in the bedroom, hopefully not awake yet.

I made my way to the kitchen, setting the food down on the counter before hanging up the dress in the coat closet—just for now.

As I was unpacking the food, I heard footsteps.

I turned, and there she was—Elena, standing in the doorway, wearing one of my oversized shirts, her hair slightly messy from sleep.

I nearly dropped the juice.

She stretched, letting out a little yawn before blinking at me. "Where did you go?"

Stay calm, Carmen.

I forced a casual smile. "Just out to grab some breakfast." Technically, not a lie.

Elena's eyes narrowed slightly. "At eleven in the morning?"