After the funeral, when the somber proceedings had come to an end, Vance gently guided Liliana back to her new home. The idea of attending a funeral party held no appeal to her; all she desired was the comforting presence of Vance by her side. As they entered the familiar surroundings of her new home, Liliana looked at Vance with gratitude in her eyes and wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. In that moment, the weight of her grief seemed to lessen as Vance held her close, assuring her, "I will protect you with my life from now on." Their eyes met, and a flicker of longing passed between them. Vance, though resisting the urge, found it difficult to deny his feelings for her. But before he could gather his thoughts, Liliana pulled him down and planted a tender kiss on his cheek, whispering a heartfelt "thank you." In that simple act of affection, they both found solace and a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.
Feeling the need for some solace and to numb the pain, Liliana expressed her desire to have a drink. Understanding her need, Vance fetched two glasses and a bottle of wine, and together they made their way to the cozy warmth of the crackling fire in the chiminea. As they settled down, Liliana mentioned her intention to change into more comfortable clothes. However, since none of her belongings had been unpacked yet, Vance kindly offered her one of his shirts. Grateful for his thoughtfulness, she accepted the shirt.
Liliana removed her funeral attire and slipped into Vance's shirt. As she changed in front of him, she couldn't help but notice his gaze lingering on her body. Vance's eyes fixated on a scar adorning her stomach, prompting him to inquire about its origin. Liliana's face clouded with uncertainty as she admitted that she couldn't recall the circumstances that led to that scar. All she knew was that she woke up one day in a hospital bed, with no memory of how it came to be.
The revelation left an air of mystery lingering between them, as they both pondered the unknown events that had shaped Liliana's past. Despite the unanswered questions, Vance remained steadfast in his support and vowed to stand by her side, seeking to protect her even from the shadows of her forgotten past.
As they talked the night away , realizing they have more in common then she though. Vance's gaze continued to linger on Liliana, she couldn't help but feel his intense focus on her. Sensing his unwavering attention, she finally broke the silence and asked, "What is it?" Vance's voice was filled with genuine admiration as he softly replied, "You're beautiful, Liliana."
A blush painted Liliana's cheeks as a shy smile graced her lips. In that moment, their eyes locked, creating a powerful connection that seemed to transcend words. The warmth of the fire mirrored the growing intensity of their emotions, igniting a flame that burned hotter than ever before.
Lost in the depths of each other's eyes, Liliana and Vance felt a magnetic pull drawing them closer together. The weight of their shared experiences and the uncertainty of the past seemed insignificant in this enchanting moment. It was as if their souls recognized each other, yearning to explore a deeper connection that went beyond the surface.
The air crackled with anticipation as time seemed to stand still. In that intimate space, Liliana and Vance acknowledged the undeniable chemistry that existed between them, an unspoken understanding that they were embarking on a journey, not just of healing and rediscovery, but also of love and connection.
As they continued to lock eyes, the flame within them burned brighter, fueling their desire to explore the depths of their newfound connection. With each passing moment, their hearts beat in sync, the rhythm of their emotions echoing the fire's gentle crackle. And in that moment, they both knew that their lives would never be the same again.