FATED

his mind. His chest heaved with ragged breaths, and his heart pounded

. He stumbled to the living room, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. He poured himself a glass of wat

rickling down his face, Kyle couldn

thoughts. He reached for it, his eyes scanning the screen. A me

e's eyes narrowed as he took in the image. It was Sage, smil

oto: "Happy birthday to one

him, like the gentle kiss of ice on a sweltering summer afternoon. The tension in his shoulders eased, re

's gaze snapped back to reality. "Breakfast i

n, a sudden spark of inspiration struck him. "Wait," he added, his eyes glinting

er eyes sparkling with interest. "A birthday present, si

th possibilities. "Yes, somethi

depends on the lady's interests. But if I may suggest,

Personalized, you say

rself. "Yes, sir. Perhaps a custom-made pi

on the look on Sage's face when she received his gift. A slow s

voice filled with gratitude. "You

"Anytime, sir. Shall I ha

. "No, I'll be down

ving Kyle to his thoughts. His mind remained