Chapter 101

The next day, I left a note in the living room and went on a spontaneous trip with Darren. Harbor City was the most beautiful bay in the country, with emerald waters, white sands, blue skies, and white clouds. We went snorkeling together and took a boat far out to sea in search of blue whales. We laughed and chatted with strangers who we met along the way by the bonfire. The salty sea breeze tousled my hair, and he reached out to tuck the windswept strands behind my ear. On my head, I wore a flower crown he had carefully made. Someone called out to us, and we turned back together. Under the flash of the camera, our last photo together was captured. That night, we walked barefoot on the soft sands. Darren asked how he could marry me. I froze for a moment, and my face flushed as I pulled my hand away. "What nonsense are you talking about?" His eyes, full of tenderness, only reflected my image. "Cassie, I'll work hard for it." … "Cassie." Hearing someone call my name, I opened my