CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE - *ART GALLERY

They ate and drank, talking and laughing as the stars came out overhead. As the conversation lulled into a comfortable silence, Erik's expression turned more serious. "Anna, can I tell you something?" She nodded, sensing the shift in mood. Erik took a deep breath. "I've never met anyone quite like you. You see me, the real me, not just the billionaire or the businessman. And I... I want you to know how much that means to me." Anna felt her heart swell. She reached out, taking his hand. "Erik, I..." He shook his head, cutting her off gently. "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know." They sat in silence for a moment, hands entwined. Then Erik spoke again, his voice softer. "There's so much I want to tell you, Anna. About my life, my past. But I... I'm not ready yet. Is that okay?" Anna squeezed his hand. "Of course it is. We have time, Erik. There's no rush." He smiled, relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you." As the night grew cooler, Erik wrapped a blanket a