Adrien nodded, his gaze distant as he glanced around the garden. "Every day," he admitted. "She was the heart of this place, and without her, it often feels empty. But being here, it brings back memories. Good ones."
Alicia felt a pang of empathy, her own memories of her mother surfacing. She stepped closer to him, her hand resting lightly on his arm. "Thank you for sharing this with me," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "It's a beautiful place, and I can see why it meant so much to her. And to you."
Adrien looked down at her, his eyes drawn toward where Alicia's hand rested gently above his. The warmth of her touch sent an unexpected shiver through him, a sensation he hadn't allowed himself to feel in a long time. He could hardly believe what he was doing or what had compelled him to share such a personal part of his life with her. It was as if some hidden part of him had sought her out, craving the connection and understanding she seemed to offer so effortlessly.
