LEFT AT MY LOWEST, LOVED AT MY BEST

ICA'

ric of the bedsheet beneath my fingertips. Beside me, Desmond's rhythmic breathing filled the quiet room, his face relaxed in sleep. I smiled

blanket. My heart swelled with excitement. This wasn't just a passing

ining what it would be like to have something of my own, something I could build fro

I wished I could stay in bed longer, wrapped up in the comfort of our world, b

through my contacts until I found Grace's name. My fingers hovered o

erful voice came through. "Jess!

just hearing her voice. "I have so

e being mysterious! Now I have

in an hour?"

I'll be

ring my dream with someone else. I knew Grace would support me, but a

hought aside. This was my drea

resh pastries and brewed coffee filled the air, wrapping around me like a warm h

ave good news," she

h, unable to hold b

s sparkling with curiosity. "

. "Let's o

Now I know thi

s of iced coffee. As soon as they were set on t

rt racing. "I'm star

hat? You? Jessica my best

s! I've been planning for a wh

ces from nearby tables. "Oh my God, Jess! This is

into fashion clothes, footwear, jewelry. I've

"I'm so proud of you! Why

ed to be sure befor

rowed her eyes playfully"Wait

ah. I told hi

mirked.

uppor

an eyebrow.

l be bringing in money too. I think he was relieved

now it makes sense! L

really did encourage me

all that matters. I'

hank you. I've been working on ideas, and I want to

That's smart. Lower risk. Ha

ave a few options

in! I'm helpin

You always h

businesswoman, Jess! And when y

hed. "

our glass

w begi

my notebook filled with ideas, I felt an overwhe

focused on a book. Without thi

pression softening.

everything. Our f

d my hand.

hat gives me independence. I've thought about this for so lon

wasn't just a casual glance; it was the kind that made me feel seen, truly seen. As if, in that mom

f his embrace. His touch was firm yet gentle, his arms a safe haven that had always made m

Jess," he murmured, his v

ghtly, pulling back just enough so he could look into my eyes. His hands c

y you put outfits together, the way you notice the little details others miss, it's a gift, Jess. And you're not ju

ing an unexpected

ice a little softer now, as if sealing t

just encouragement it was belief. A belief so strong that for the f

rom sadness. They were from gratitude, from love, from the

voice was barely

e resting his against mine. "I'm always going to be here, Je

d do this. Because no matter what