Chapter 23

Anastasia wistfully leaned out of her window, watching the sun set over the lake. She had texted Jamie earlier, asking him not to come for her, knowing he had a heavy workload to tackle.

But now, as the sky turned pink and orange, she regretted her decision. All she wanted was to see Jamie, to feel his warm embrace and comforting presence. She never expected to one day cross paths with Williams.

Getting home, she rushed to their bedroom. Her face fell when she saw that he wasn't there. She shut her eyes in defeat.

Her feet made it out of the room, and that was when she saw Jamie standing in the hallway, a gentle smile on his face. His eyes met hers, and he waited for a moment as if seeking permission to approach.

"Hey," he said softly, his arms opening wide in invitation.

Anastasia's heart swelled with emotion as she stepped into the hallway, her eyes locked on Jamie's.