Chapter 13 The Australian sun always shines exceptionally bright. Sophia pushed open the apartment window, letting the cool sea breeze brush her cheeks. She took a deep breath; the air carried a faint saltiness and floral scent, so different from the perpetually rainy city in her memories. "How are you feeling today?" Gerald's voice came from behind, accompanied by the soft click of the door lock. She turned to see him walking in with a fresh bouquet of sunflowers, their golden petals shimmering in the sunlight. "Much better." She took the bouquet, her fingertips lightly touching the soft petals. "The wound doesn't hurt much anymore." Gerald placed the flowers in a vase, expertly trimming the stems. For the past two months, he brought different flowers every day-sometimes daisies, sometimes roses, and today, sunflowers. He never said anything sentimental, just quietly placed the flowers by her bedside as if it were the most natural thing. "Didn't you want to open a dessert shop? I found a few good locations." He said while arranging the bouquet. "Once you're feeling better, we can go check them out." Sophia looked at his profile, a warmth rising in her heart. When she first left the country, she was like a startled bird. Even with the money and a new identity, she couldn't feel at ease. During her two days in France, she barely slept, constantly fearing someone would break in and drag her back. Her ticket abroad was bought by the Lee family, so they knew she was going to France. The fear of them knowing her approximate whereabouts haunted her, and she moved from country to country until finally settling in a small Aus- tralian town. 0.0 % 10:53 "I think..." She hesitated. "I might need a bit more time to rest." Gerald stopped what he was doing and looked at her gently. "No rush, shops are always available." His overly understanding gaze suddenly made Sophia feel guilty. She knew Gerald had shifted his company's focus here to be with her. But he never mentioned it, nor did he ask when she might accept his feelings. "Actually..." She lowered her head, fiddling with a sunflower petal. "I'm much better, it's just..." The nightmares still come back occasionally. The chill of the cold storage, the sting of the whip on her back, and Alexander's icy stare... A warm hand gently covered hers. "Sophia." Gerald's voice was soft, but carried a calming strength. "Look outside." She instinctively looked up. 40 12 14 + + 4 Outside was a blue sky, a few seagulls gliding leisurely, and the distant laughter of children. "No one can hurt you here." He smiled. "So take your time." Sophia's nose tingled as she remembered when she first arrived in this town, too scared to leave her room for three days straight. It was Gerald who brought her different local delicacies every day, patiently telling her which streets were safe and which supermarket's desserts suited her taste. "Want to try that new dessert shop today?" 35.8 % 10:53 Chapter 13 He skillfully changed the subject. "I heard their cake is amazing." She blinked her moist eyes and nodded. "Okay." The dessert shop perched by the sea. Under a white parasol, Sophia took small bites of tiramisu before her. The bitterness of coffee and sweetness of cream danced on her tongue, making her squint involuntarily. "Good?" "Delicious." She nodded. "Just wish the coffee flavor was stronger." "Next time we'll make our own.' He ruffled her hair. "Bought a coffee maker. Can adjust to your taste." Sophia suddenly remembered something, laughter bubbling up. "Remember my first tiramisu attempt? Used salt instead of sugar. Horribly salty." "Remember." Gerald's eyes twinkled. "You stubbornly finished it, saying ingredients shouldn't be wasted." Their shared laughter hung in the air as sunlight gilded the tabletop with warm gold. Such moments multiplied. Sometimes discovering childhood snacks while grocery shopping, sometimes curled on the sofa watching old films in rain, sometimes just walking wordlessly along the shore. Gradually, Sophia noticed herself: No more glancing over her shoulder, No more jolting awake from nightmares, No more heart racing at familiar silhouettes. 63.2 % 10:54 "Gerald." She spoke abruptly. "Thank you." He paused, then shook his head. "Don't mention it." "Not being polite." Her tone turned earnest. "Truly... thank you for bringing me here." Sea winds tangled her hair. Gerald reached to smooth it, fingertips pulling back just before touching her cheek. "Sophia." His voice softened yet held steel. "I just want you happy." S Beyond them, waves caressed the shore in endless rhythm- Like life itself, healing all wounds, Always offering new beginnings. 89.1 % 10:53 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!