Chapter 264: Candlelight Confession

Darcy stood near the large windows of the dining room, watching the raindrops as they raced down the glass panes. The sound of the rainfall outside was soothing, creating a sense of calm in the otherwise silent room. She had been waiting for Ephraim for some time now, and he was late for their dinner together. It wasn't like him to be tardy, and Darcy couldn't help but wonder what could have delayed him.

The fire flickered in the fireplace, casting warm, golden light across the room. Darcy traced the patterns in the wooden floor with her foot, growing more anxious as the minutes ticked by. 

Suddenly, she felt a pair of strong arms encircle her waist from behind, pulling her gently against a warm, solid chest. A soft kiss was pressed to the nape of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. Darcy leaned into the embrace, recognizing Ephraim's familiar scent and touch.

"You're late," she murmured, trying to mask her relief with a hint of playfulness.