CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX - A Final Confrontation

When they finally broke apart, both slightly breathless, Claire rested her forehead against Mason's. "We still have a lot to work through," she whispered. "I know," Mason replied, his voice husky. "But we'll do it together. One step at a time." As they parted ways, Claire felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation about the upcoming trip. She knew that going to Paris wouldn't magically solve all their problems, but it was a start. A chance to reconnect, to remember why they fell in love in the first place, and to see if they could build something new and stronger from the foundations of their past. With a small smile, Claire headed back to her hotel, her mind already turning to what she would pack for Paris. Whatever happened, she knew that this trip would be a turning point in their relationship. Whether it led to a new beginning or a final ending remained to be seen, but for the first time in months, Claire felt ready to face the future - whatever it might hold. As the plane to