Victoria's POV
I admit it—after Owen left, an emptiness settled in my chest that I couldn't ignore. It wasn't the kind of sorrow that came in loud, dramatic waves. It was quieter than that. Heavier. Like a constant pressure behind every breath. A silence that followed me even in the noisiest of rooms.
I had always believed that Oliver was my true mate—the one the universe had chosen for me. The bond we shared felt undeniable, eternal—even now, with him gone, that belief hadn't completely faded. A part of me still clung to the idea that we were fated, that somehow, somewhere in the afterlife, we'd find each other again and reignite what we had lost. That our love wasn't over—it was just… paused.
But then there was Owen.
