Moments Missed, Moments Made    

[EVE]

I stepped further inside, and I noticed the party aftermath—the empty glasses, half-deflated balloons, and the faint scent of cake lingering in the air.

I could picture everyone gathered here, celebrating, waiting for me. My chest tightened with the ache of guilt that I hadn't been there.

"Eve!" a voice called out, jolting me from my thoughts.

I turned to see Victor hurrying toward me, his face a mixture of relief and worry.

The moment he reached me, he pulled me into a tight hug, catching me off guard. His warmth wrapped around me, his heartbeat steady and grounding against my cheek.

Despite the shock, I found myself relaxing, the comfort of his embrace easing some of my guilt.

"I was so worried," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I thought something might have happened to you. Thank god you're okay."