A brand.

There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end of the line before Olivia let out a low whistle. "Wow, Kate. Things are really heating up between you two, huh?"

Kate couldn't help but laugh at her friend's enthusiasm, even though she still felt a sense of uncertainty. "I don't know about that, Olivia. It's just... I don't know."

Olivia's tone became more serious. "What do you mean? Do you feel like you're rushing into things?"

Kate took a deep breath before responding. "I don't know if it's rushing, exactly. But sometimes it feels like we're moving too fast, you know?"

Olivia's voice was sympathetic. "I get it, girl. But sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and see where it takes you."

Kate nodded, even though Olivia couldn't see her. "I know, and I want to trust him. I just don't want to get hurt."

Olivia's tone was reassuring. "I know you don't, Kate. But you've got this. And if anyone can make it work, it's you and Alexander."

Kate smiled again, feeling a sense of