âThank you for the compliment,â Karina replied.
The amusement in Carlowâs eyes deepened.
âIt seems you loved your boyfriend very much, didnât you?â
âYes, I did,â Karina admitted, a pang of sadness tugging at her heart.
That fool, if only heâd confessed his feelings sooner.
Carlow continued, his voice sincere.
âA beautiful, kind, and devoted woman like you is a rare gem.
Your boyfriend was a lucky man.
â
A soft warmth flickered in Carlowâs eyes, adding to his attractiveness.
Karina looked down, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
âHe just⦠never realized how lucky he was,â she said with a hint of complaint.
Karina couldnât help but think if heâd been honest instead of secretive, maybe they could have had more good times together.
Carlow met her gaze, his eyes filled with empathy.
âSince he couldnât appreciate you and is no longer here, why dwell on the past? Youâre an amazing woman.
Iâm sure many men admire you.
Maybe itâs time to move on and find someone who deserves you.
â
Karinaâs eyes narrowed at Carlowâs suggestion.
âI have no plans of finding a boyfriend.
â
Carlow raised an eyebrow.
âWhy not? Donât tell me youâre reserving yourself for a memory.
â
Karina frowned.
âHe isnât just a memory.
My boyfriend will always hold a place in my heart.
â
âs BunnyBookery
Carlow studied her for a moment, then chuckled.
âAlright, I apologize for the insensitive phrasing.
â
Clearly wanting to change the subject, Karina rose from the couch.
âWhy donât you enjoy the fruit? Iâm going to take care of the laundry.
â
âSounds good,â Carlow replied, watching her disappear onto the balcony.
As dusk settled, the city lights twinkled to life, painting the sky with a vibrant glow.
Her slender figure moved gracefully, a few strands of hair escaping and dancing around her face as she bent to collect the clothes.
There was a serene beauty about her, a calming presence that soothed the soul.
Meanwhile, Selina had spent a harrowing day and night in custody before Aldrich finally bailed her out.
Back in his new apartment in Skrix, he fumed.
As soon as_ they entered, he lashed out, a stinging slap landing on her cheek.
âThis is your idea of help? The gallery fiasco shut everything down right after launch, not to mention it caught the policeâs attention! Help? Youâre a liability!â
Selina, seething with resentment, clutched her throbbing cheek.