Olivia's POV The soft glow of candlelight flickered against the walls of the private dining room Ethan had prepared. I stared at the setup, a mix of confusion and awe swirling in my chest. A small table sat in the center, adorned with fresh flowers and a simple meal. The atmosphere was disarmingly intimate, an acute reminder of our almost-kiss. “This…” I hesitated, looking at him as he stood by the table, his hands tucked into his pockets. “This is unexpected.” Ethan’s lips quirked into a small smile, but there was something vulnerable in his eyes. “I thought we could both use a moment away from the chaos. Just us.” Just us. The phrase repeated in my mind. For all the complications, his intention felt genuine. I allowed myself to sit, though my body was still tense, unsure of where t

