Chapter 65: Beneath the Surface

The sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air as Taylor and Alex walked along the beach, hand in hand. The setting sun painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the world around them. It was a picture-perfect evening, but Taylor’s mind was far from peaceful. She had spent the entire day trying to shake off the nagging feeling in her chest, a mixture of anxiety and anticipation that refused to let her go. There was something she needed to say—something she had been keeping hidden deep within her heart. But the words seemed to catch in her throat every time she tried to speak. Alex, ever attuned to her emotions, squeezed her hand gently, drawing her out of her thoughts. “You’re awfully quiet tonight,” he observed, his voice soft and filled with concern. Taylor glanced up at him, her heart swelling with affection. “I’ve just been thinking,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “About what?” Alex asked, his eyes searching hers. Tay