˙ * ✧ ––– OLIVIA COOKE.

PRIVATE: Supportive friend mode has suddenly been activated and I couldn't love you more for immediately jumping into that role. Believe me, the last thing any of us need is contact with Shawn. He kept blowing up my phone after I left because I wasn't answering, but he's stopped now. No doubt more interested in reconciling with his ex. I really shouldn't care, it's not like I was in love with the man but it hurts to feel like a placeholder until someone better comes along. Don't waste your breath on him, Liv. He's not worth it. Matt's... Matt? I don't even know how to describe the encounter. Things felt like old times, before he decided he didn't want me and we stopped talking. We laughed again, that laugh that lights up his entire face and is enormously contagious — you know the one. I know you're not his biggest fan, but it was comforting to be around him during that time... even if I did yell at him... he seemed to handle it well. Precisely my thinking. No need to age us with such demeaning dialogue. Seasoned makes us sound mature without us feeling like we're on deaths door. Oh darling, don't ever feel that way. I want to keep up with your life and if you're happy right now, I'll take that as the universe giving me a win. There's no one more deserving than you. Are you serious? Liv, that's incredible. I'm so happy for the two of you. I'll have to make a real effort to speak with Emma since it seems as though they're going to be around for an extremely long time. Of course they asked you, who wouldn't want you? And in Italy no less? How romantic. How did they ask? Did you cry? I need all the details. Believe me, I'm committed to making that happen. I'm with you, we can't keep doing thing half hearted. We'll have to set up a real plan. Are you free in January? I'll clear my schedule to ensure I can't back out. Movies that screw with you are wonderful to watch but they're exhausting to be a part of. I think it's okay if we take breaks from that. I'm emailing my agent as we speak. This has to take top priority.

PRIVATE: Of course he did.. jackass. God why are men so fucking stupid, I really don’t understand why that species was made to be so… insanely daft. Yeah okay now, you saying you shouldn’t care is just a coping mechanism and a form of denial. Like of course you should fucking care. Does one have to be in love to get hurt? The answer is no. I mean you can have a crush and a blow like that can still feel like your heart has absolutely come down shattering into pieces. Be so for real now darling. Your feelings are valid. This man straight up lied to you.. If you weren’t upset at all, I’d be worried about your own sanity. Honestly Anya, fuck him. You are the one who shouldn’t waste another breath on the poor thing. I mean again, you’re allowed to feel upset - but in no way is he worth you, even an ounce of your energy. — I mean the whole reason I despise Matt most of the time is what he did to you. Then again, I trust that you’re not a complete fool and your judgment. I won’t tell you that you’re stupid for even being in the same room as him, cause I know after all how you’ve always felt about him. And if you two had that spark reignited and you actually enjoyed being in each other's company, it’s not like I’m going to be mad about that. At the end of the day Anya, all I care about is you and your heart. I don’t ever want to see you go through what you did back then. I mean, if I could’ve gotten my hands on him at the time, I swear to god I would’ve killed him. —Then of course, I’ve had to spend more time with him than most in the past few years and he can be tolerable, at times.. — Not at death's door is a state I always prefer to think of myself in after all, so you’re absolutely correct. Yeah no I know, and I adore you and your kind soul for that.. But still, you know what it’s like when someone is going through a rough patch, you don’t wish to rub your own happiness into their face. But I love you and I appreciate you and I know you would never make me feel that way. But yeah, absolutely dead serious. Yeah I reckon they’ll be around a long time, at least I’m hoping so. It just feels really good. And it feels real you know? Like, I don’t know if I’ve ever felt this way.. about anyone. Oh shush now, remember what I said about not boosting my ego? We had a boat for a week, very romantic indeed. Emma knows how to drive those things and I just leave it to them cause can you imagine me in charge of a boat? That would be Titanic 2.0.. only me would find an iceberg in Italy. But yes, there was a tear or two. Emma had a friend of theirs who is a jeweler, make me a necklace with their initials engraved into it and then asked me with that. — Oh god January? You think I plan that far ahead? I mean I know we kind of have to.. but I barely know what I’m doing next week. No but I’m sure I’ll have time in January. Good good, I shall do the exact same thing so we really get this ball rolling.

PRIVATE: Judgement free zone? You're going to think I'm an utter idiot, and I don't entirely disagree with the sentiment. Well, you know I've been dating Shawn, right? He asked me to be his date to the VMA's and while he was perfoming, he gave me his phone to take a video for his mother. Seemed innocent enough, but he left the phone open on his last text and I found out he'd been texting his annoyingly beautiful ex that he'd seen her on the carpet and had fallen in love with her all over again. Can't lie and say that didn't hurt. I left shortly after sending his mom the video so I could pack and leave the hotel before he came back. I ended up staying with Matt... which I know you're going to hate. But he was there and I needed somewhere to stay. How have you been, darling? Hopefully your life is less of a shit fest than my own. We're not old. We're... seasoned. That sounds better, right? Spa weekend with you where we get unashamedly pissed and wind up inevitably cuddling in bed? Sign me up. I have the best time with you. I'm with you. Our combined talent is a match made in heaven on the big screen. Maybe a comedy this time around? Oh, or maybe something fun like "Pracical Magic." A little twisty, but not a total mind fuck.

PRIVATE: Oh I am going to be such a supportive friend right now, cause I know the last thing you need is me calling you an idiot. But actually I wouldn’t even if the timing of it was suitable. I’d much rather track down Shawn and give him an earful. He’s lucky we’re not in the same place. Fuck me what a jerk. I mean a complete nutter. What the hell is so wrong with not texting and flirting with others, especially your ex, if you’re dating someone? Fucking hell, finish things off before you start drooling over someone else. Anya, I don’t need to say it twice, you deserve better. Now if that’s Matt.. well you know what I think and for your sake I won’t say it right now. I get it, you were vulnerable. We all do questionable things when we’re hurt. I’ll just look at it as if I am glad that at least you stayed with someone you knew, which I am of course. — Seasoned? I like that.. Actually I love that and I am going to be using that phrasing from now on, much preferable. It feels wrong to go off about myself now considering the shit show you’re currently finding yourself in. Nonetheless, I know you’ll absolutely go off on me if I don’t tell you that I’m better than ever actually. Keeping it short and to not rub my happiness in your face — but yeah you know me and Emma and everything that’s been lowkey going on… It’s not so lowkey anymore as we tooted off to Italy last week and they asked me to be their girlfriend. So you’re looking at someone who is officially off the marker. - Honestly we need to make this happen. Like we better plan it so it’s not another thing we say we’ll do and never end up doing. I think we’re in high need of a weekend like that. I’d enjoy doing something less mindfucking. Not that I don’t enjoy it but you know, we seek other routes. Time to tell our agents we’re looking for another project to work together on.

“Don’t cry, baby,” Emma whispered, their foreheads resting together as they gazed into her warm eyes. A tender grin tugged at Emma’s lips as they chuckled softly. “Looks like you’ll have to tell your other suitors you’re off the market,” they teased, fully aware that they’d both been committed to each other for some time now.

Breaking the moment, Emma reached for the second black box on the table. “Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about myself.” They opened the box to reveal a sleek gold pinky ring, engraved with a delicate “O.” Without hesitation, they slid it onto their finger, holding it up for Olivia to see. “Does this mean we’re ready to U-Haul now?” Emma teased with a playful glint in their eyes, always the one to lighten the mood.

Gently, Emma picked up the necklace, brushing Olivia’s hair away from her neck with one hand. “Here, let me put this on you,” they murmured, their fingers deftly fastening the clasp before stepping back to admire their work. The delicate gold chain rested perfectly against Olivia’s collarbone, complementing the rich green of her dress. Emma’s pride showed in their smile, a subtle gleam in their darkened eyes as they took in the sight before them.

“You look stunning,” Emma whispered, their arms slipping around Olivia’s waist, drawing her in. The air between them shifted, charged with an undeniable energy as Emma dipped their head, capturing Olivia’s lips in a slow, lingering kiss. It was intimate and unhurried, the kind of kiss that spoke volumes without words, pulling them closer until there was no space left between their bodies.

A soft, adoring smile tugged at Olivia’s lips as Emma’s teasing remark broke the stillness. “Oh god yeah. As if I’d ever let you go back to your place anyway,” she murmured, her voice carrying both amusement and affection, but her eyes told a deeper story. Her chest tightened with the weight of it all, the fullness of everything they shared. It was as though Emma had anchored every restless piece of her soul to this exact moment, to them—like they were her harbor after a long, stormy sea.

Olivia's smirk deepened, her gaze flicking to Emma’s. “I think you’ve ruined me for anyone else," she said, her voice dropping slightly, intimate and laced with teasing sincerity. "Not that they ever stood a chance, not when you were around." There was a glint of mischief in her eyes as her fingers slowly played with the hem of Emma’s shirt, a quiet, deliberate movement that seemed to make the air between them thrum with electricity. Her breath hitched, barely audible, as she leaned closer.

"Mm," she hummed softly against Emma’s lips, the kiss tender and slow, each moment drawn out as if the world had fallen away and left only the two of them. Her lips lingered, savoring the feel of Emma’s mouth against hers, the kiss saying everything she couldn’t quite put into words—how deeply she felt, how safe and loved she was in their arms. Pulling back just slightly, Olivia’s eyes darkened with a playful gleam, her fingers now trailing up along Emma’s collarbone, teasing and deliberate. “Oh, yeah?" she whispered, her lips brushing against Emma’s ear, her voice hushed and sultry. "Well, it just so happens that being on you is one of my favorite places to be."

Dinner was simple but thoughtful—lemon herb-crusted salmon, a delicate cacio e pepe, and a bottle of limoncello they’d picked up just after arriving in the city. The deck setup proved more challenging, with the sea winds threatening to unravel their efforts, but Emma was determined. After some struggle, the table was set: plates, silverware, candles flickering gently in the breeze. In the center sat two small, black boxes, perfectly squared off. Emma’s hands felt clammy as they placed them, their heart racing at what was about to come.

As Emma was adding the finishing touches in the kitchen, Olivia’s voice drifted from behind them. Turning, Emma’s breath caught for a moment—Olivia looked stunning, the green dress clinging to her curves in all the right ways. “You know you torture me in that color,” Emma said with a low, appreciative growl, their eyes gleaming with admiration. They pulled her in for a lingering kiss, their hand resting on her lower back, savoring the moment.

“Come, let’s eat,” Emma murmured, taking Olivia’s hand and leading her out to the deck, where the table gleamed in the soft evening light. As they sat down, Emma noticed Olivia’s gaze shift to the small boxes on the table. Their heart skipped a beat.

“Don’t panic,” Emma said softly, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I had something made for you… for us." Their voice wavered slightly, their usual confidence faltering in the weight of the moment. Emma picked up the box meant for Olivia, taking a breath before continuing. "My friend’s a jeweler. I found these pieces in a few vintage shops, and he helped me create something special."

Opening the box, Emma revealed a delicate gold chain with a tiny “e” charm hanging from it. “I know it’s a bit… forward, and maybe a little patriarchal," Emma rambled, running a shaky hand through their hair, "but… I wanted it to mean something.” They paused, swallowing the nerves that had built up, their voice growing softer, more sincere.

“I had this whole speech planned, but honestly, I don’t need a script for this.” Emma’s blue eyes searched Olivia’s, their emotions laid bare. “I want to do this—with you. I want us to be real, to tell our family, our friends, that this is it for me. You’re it. And I want to be yours, your partner, your boyfriend, whatever you need me to be. I just want us.”

As Olivia looked at Emma, her breath caught in her throat. The weight of the moment pressed down on her chest in the most beautiful way, as if everything they'd been through, everything they were, had led to this single point in time. The golden light of the setting sun, the gentle sway of the boat beneath their feet, the soft flicker of candlelight—it all blurred around the edges, leaving only Emma in sharp focus. The sight of that tiny “e” charm hanging from the delicate gold chain made Olivia’s heart ache in a way she hadn’t expected. It wasn’t just the beauty of the necklace, though that was undeniable. It was the thought, the love, the care behind every decision that Emma had made to bring this evening to life. Olivia could feel the weight of their sincerity, the quiet plea for her to understand just how much she meant to them. And in that moment, Olivia did.

Olivia’s mouth fell open slightly, eyes widening as they darted between the delicate gold chain in the box and Emma’s nervous blue eyes. She was utterly stunned, her breath catching in her throat as the weight of what was happening began to sink in. “Emma…” she whispered, her voice thick with disbelief and affection. “You absolute nutter.” A soft chuckle escaped her lips, a sound that was part awe, part astonishment, and entirely Olivia. Slowly, she reached out, her fingers brushing lightly against Emma’s palm. She traced the familiar lines with a delicate touch, a gesture that was both grounding and intimate. Her gaze lifted again, meeting Emma’s with a softness. Olivia’s expression shifted, her brows knitting together as her face softened into something almost vulnerable—her big brown eyes now wide and full of emotion, carrying a look that could only be described as puppy-like. “You’re actually going to make me cry, you know that?”

As Olivia turned in their arms, Emma could see the awe and softness in her eyes. The gentle curve of her lips, the way her breath hitched—everything about her made Emma’s pulse quicken. But then Olivia’s words broke through the quiet intimacy, and Emma’s brow furrowed slightly, their concerned smile touching the corners of their mouth.

"You didn’t have to do any of this, you know?"

Emma brushed a curl away from Olivia’s face, the pads of their fingers grazing her cheek as they locked eyes with her. "Why do you keep saying that, love?" Their voice was low with concern as their thumb traced along Olivia’s jawline. "I know I don’t have to. But the bare minimum?" Emma shook their head slowly, a tender smile playing on their lips. "That’s not enough for you. And it’s never going to be enough for me. I need to do this or this feeling will swallow me whole." The statement was a testament to just how much Emma felt for Olivia. The heaviness of their sentiments for Olivia needed to be expressed, needed to be grand and physical, or they would consume Emma entirely.

They tilted Olivia’s chin up gently, their voice growing more intense, more commanding. "You deserve to be romanced," Emma said, their eyes darkening with a heated promise, "so please, let me take care of you - i know you don't need me to, i know you're capable and independent," they brought their lips to her ear, "but don't you want it?" The last words fell from their lips with a slow, deliberate authority, in a tone barely above a whisper.

Before Olivia could respond, Emma pressed her firmly against the railing, their lips crashing into hers with a raw, searing passion. The kiss was certain and full of intensity—Emma’s hand gripping the small of her back, pulling her even closer as their bodies pressed together. It was the kind of kiss that left no room for doubt, no space for second-guessing. This was theirs, and Emma wanted Olivia to feel that in every fiber of her being.

Emma’s words echoed in her mind—You deserve to be romanced. It wasn’t something Olivia had ever thought about before. She’d never needed to be taken care of, never craved the grand gestures or the sweeping moments of passion. But here, with Emma, it was different. It wasn’t about needing to be pampered—it was about being seen. Being appreciated in a way that was deeper than words or actions, in a way that made her feel like the center of Emma’s world. “Hm if it’s by you, I suppose it can’t be that bad,” Liv hummed against their lips.

“Suppose I shouldn’t even bother with asking if you need or want help cause I take it you won’t let me huh?” She questioned, her eyebrow raising slightly. “Fine fine.. I’ll do what I’m told.” — With a gentle smirk, Olivia turned away from the view and walked slowly back toward the cabin. She could still feel the heat of Emma’s lips on hers, the intensity of their touch. - As she stepped inside the yacht, her gaze drifted over the cozy space they had made their own. Olivia reached for the dress she had packed for the trip, a soft sage green one. Catching her reflection in the small mirror by the bed, her fingers absentmindedly smoothing over the material. 

They wrapped up their brunch slowly, finishing the last bites of dessert and sipping the last of their drinks, all the while soaking in each other’s presence. Afterward, they wandered back to the small docked yacht they were calling home for the next few days. Emma held Olivia in their arms as they settled in for a long afternoon nap, the gentle rocking of the boat lulling them into a peaceful sleep. Emma couldn’t help but watch her drift off, Olivia’s breathing soft and steady against their chest.

Hours passed, and while Olivia still slept, Emma slipped out of bed, quiet as a whisper. Their boating skills, long unused but never forgotten, stirred to life as they moved around the controls. Emma had been around boats since they were young, their father being an avid boater who had insisted they get their ICC license as soon as they could. Still, it had been years, and a small wave of anxiety washed over them as they carefully maneuvered the yacht out of the harbor. The soft hum of the engine and the sound of the water beneath the hull filled the air as they navigated a few miles off the coast, the horizon stretching out into endless blue.

By the time they lowered the anchor, the afternoon sun was casting a golden glow over the sea. Emma took a breath, feeling a surge of quiet pride in the smoothness of their movements, and as they turned around, they caught sight of Olivia, who had just woken up, her eyes still heavy with sleep. A smile tugged at Emma's lips.

"Hey, beautiful," Emma called softly, crossing the short distance between them. They pressed a tender kiss to Olivia’s temple, their voice filled with warmth. "How was your nap?"

Olivia sat up slowly, stretching as she took in her surroundings. The horizon was endless, an expanse of blue and gold that felt like it belonged to just the two of them. She glanced around, realizing what Emma had done, and her heart swelled with love, with gratitude. Emma had taken them away from the world, to this little slice of heaven, where it was just the two of them and the sea. “Did you get us out here while I was sleeping?” Olivia asked, her voice soft with awe. She could see the quiet pride in Emma’s eyes, the way they stood there, still a little unsure, but so undeniably them. 

“You amaze me, you know that?” she whispered, her voice barely audible against the sound of the waves as she brought Emma’s face closer, pulling them in for a kiss. — As Olivia rose to her feet, she couldn’t help but let her mouth fall open in awe, the sight before her almost too beautiful to take in all at once. The horizon stretched out in a golden haze, where the sky kissed the sea in shades of soft pink and amber. The yacht gently bobbed on the water, the only sound the quiet lapping of the waves against the hull. Everything about the moment felt surreal, like stepping into a painting crafted by some divine hand. 

“Fucking hell...” Olivia breathed, her voice a mixture of astonishment and admiration. She turned to look at Emma, her eyes wide, a smile tugging at her lips. “I mean, I knew you could manage a boat, but this... this whole thing? You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” Her voice carried that familiar Mancunian lilt, but beneath the teasing was a layer of genuine awe. Her fingers gently trailed along the railing as she walked toward the edge of the yacht, staring out at the endless horizon. The colors of the setting sun reflected off the water, casting a shimmering golden path that seemed to stretch toward infinity. For a moment, Olivia just stood there, taking it all in, the beauty of the world.

She turned back to Emma, her heart full, her expression softening as she took a few steps closer. “You didn’t have to do any of this, you know?” Olivia’s voice was quieter now, more intimate, as though the vastness of the sea had wrapped around them.

You don’t just dive into romance with your best friend and expect everything to fall into place like some fairytale. Emma nodded slowly, feeling the weight of that truth. There had been a time when they weren’t sure if this could work, if their hearts could sync as effortlessly as their friendship had. But sitting here now, with the warmth of Olivia’s touch against their knuckles, it felt like their lives had finally fallen into place. It was as if fate had been waiting, biding its time before allowing them this kind of love.

Emma’s heart swelled with the quiet confession Olivia had made, and without thinking, they brought her hand to their lips again, this time kissing it more reverently, as if trying to convey the depth of their gratitude through a single touch. “It’s always been effortless with you,” Emma whispered, their voice low and filled with emotion. “I still remember the day we met, and it was like...”

They glanced away for a moment, the memory tugging at their heart, before their gaze found Olivia’s again, more intense now, brimming with unspoken affection. “I spent so much of my life feeling like I didn’t belong anywhere—like I was always on the outside, never quite fitting in, always searching for something or someone who understood me. I felt like a wanderer… until you.”

Tears brimmed in Emma’s blue eyes, their voice trembling with the weight of everything they hadn’t said until now. “And every single day that I get to come home to you—” Emma’s hand reached across the small café table, fingertips brushing Olivia’s cheek before cradling her face gently, “—every part of me, my body, my soul… finally rests. I’ve never known peace like this before, not until you.”

Their thumb brushed softly over Olivia’s cheekbone, and for a moment, the world seemed to still around them, the gentle hum of the sea and the soft breeze only serving as a backdrop to the profound connection they shared. Emma’s voice softened as they whispered, their faces inches from each other, "You've always felt like coming home."

Opening her eyes again, Olivia met Emma’s gaze with a softness that mirrored the depth of her sentiment. She placed her hand over Emma’s, still resting against her cheek, and leaned into their touch, as if grounding herself in the moment, in the truth of their connection. “God, you have no idea how much I love hearing that,” Olivia whispered, her voice trembling slightly, a reflection of the emotions swirling inside her. Her hand tightened slightly around Emma’s, her thumb tracing the back of their hand in slow, soothing circles. “Everything just makes sense, you know? Like we were always meant to end up here. Even if we had to take the long way, it brought us to this moment, and I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

Olivia’s hand moved to gently cup the side of Emma’s face, mirroring their earlier gesture. Her thumb brushed over Emma’s lips with the same tenderness Emma had shown her, as if trying to pour every ounce of love she felt into that single touch. Olivia’s gentle laughter rang out, bright, her thick Mancunian accent adding a rich, melodic tone to her words. She looked at Emma with a playful sparkle in her eyes, her smile wide and genuine. “I think I might have to start recommending falling for your best friend to everyone I know,” she said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. “Because, honestly, it’s bloody brilliant.” Her eyes softened as she gazed at Emma, the warmth of her feelings evident in every word, every glance.

They had been so caught up in their own worries before—about labels, about defining their relationship. But sitting here now, looking at Olivia’s soft blush, Emma knew none of that mattered. Their life together was unfolding in the most natural way, piece by piece, with each moment wrapped in a quiet bliss. Waking up beside Olivia, feeling the comfort of her head on their chest at night, seeing her wander around in Emma’s shirts as though they were her own—it was the kind of domestic sweetness that Emma had never realized could feel so perfect.

Gently, Emma reached for Olivia’s hand, their fingers lightly brushing against her skin as they brought her hand to their lips, pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles. Public displays of affection had once made Emma hesitate in fear of a tabloid or gossip column spreading rumors about their relationship before they could even figure it out, but now? There was no more worry. No more need to hide. Emma’s feelings for Olivia were too beautiful, too consuming to keep tucked away, and the idea of someone catching them in these moments of quiet love seemed unimportant and trivial. Sure, the press would have a field day but then again, when did they not?

Just as they finished kissing Olivia’s hand, the dessert arrived. Emma, still grinning, carefully spooned a bite of the tiramisu and held it up. “My love, have this first bite,” they insisted, their eyes sparkling with a playful glint.

Olivia licked the last traces of tiramisu from her bottom lip, savoring the sweetness before leaning back in her seat, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint as she watched Emma. A slow, teasing smile curved on her lips. "You really are something else, you know that?" With a subtle, almost unconscious gesture, she swept her hair over her shoulder, her gaze never leaving Emma. There was a softness in her eyes, something deeper that went beyond the playful banter they often shared. It was the kind of look that spoke volumes about the quiet moments between them—the way their connection had grown so naturally, so effortlessly, despite the uncertainty that had once lingered in the air.

Olivia exhaled, her voice dropping to something more vulnerable, more intimate. “I don’t know,” she started, her smile fading into something more thoughtful. “I know none of this is supposed to be easy. You don’t just dive into romance with your best friend and expect everything to fall into place like some fairytale.” She paused, her gaze softening as she searched Emma’s eyes, as if trying to find the words for everything her heart was feeling. “But it kind of feels like that, doesn’t it? Like… everything just makes sense when it’s you. Like it was always meant to be this way.”

Her voice caught slightly, and Olivia let out a small laugh, biting her lip as she looked down for a moment. “Maybe I’m just babbling. Or maybe it’s the wine talking,” she added with a playful shrug. Taking a breath, Olivia leaned forward slightly, her fingers brushing gently against Emma’s hand. Her voice softened,  “I guess what I’m trying to say is... being with you feels like the easiest thing in the world.” Her eyes searched Emma’s, hoping her words could somehow capture the depth of her feelings, the way she felt anchored by Emma’s presence. With a soft  smile, Olivia added, “And I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”

In that moment, Olivia could see the reflection of their shared adventures in Em’s eyes—the late nights spent talking, the laughter that echoed in the spaces between them, the silences that had never once felt empty. Here they were, in this secluded paradise, and yet it wasn’t the beauty of Portofino that took her breath away. It was the way Em looked at her, as though she was the only thing that mattered in the world. The love in their gaze was a warmth she could feel deep in her bones, the kind of love that felt like home. Olivia smiled, a soft blush creeping across her cheeks. “So thank you, for bringing me here,” she whispered, her voice barely louder than the sound of the waves lapping against the dock. “I don’t think I could ever get tired of this view,” she added with a playful glint in her eyes, her gaze locked on Em, making it clear she wasn’t just talking about the scenery.

As Em mentioned dessert, Olivia laughed softly, her heart light. “Honestly, being here with you feels decadent enough. But that being said.. You know I’m weak when it comes to Tiramisu.” Her eyes softened as she held Em’s gaze a moment longer. She had always known there was something special about them, but here, in this sun-drenched café by the sea, Olivia felt that admiration solidify in a way that was undeniable. Every detail of this moment—the breeze, the sound of the harbor, Em’s touch—was perfect.