29

29

Anna was in the kitchen of her restaurant, peeling green peas with a steady rhythm when the sound of the door opening made her glance up. There stood Xavier, a broad smile lighting up his face as he walked toward her.

"Hey, beautiful," he greeted, his eyes filled with warmth.

Anna's face lit up with joy as she quickly rushed to him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Xavier!" she exclaimed. "I’m so happy to see you."

He held her close for a moment, then pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. "I missed you," he said softly, his voice full of genuine happiness.

"How’s it going with exposing that bastard Michael?" Anna asked, her tone shifting as concern filled her voice.

Xavier sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Seems like Michael has hurt a lot of women... but they all go silent the moment they hear his name. It’s frustrating. We’re so close, yet nothing."

Anna breathed out heavily, shaking her head. "It’s just so typical of him."

Xavier watched her