Kiara spent the morning preparing for the operation, her nerves fraying as the reality of the situation sank in. After the final briefing with the officers, she picked up her phone and typed a text to Ethan. “Hey, it’s been a while. Fancy catching up over a drink?” She hit send and held her breath.
Her phone buzzed almost instantly. “Kiara! I’ve been thinking about you. Would love to catch up. When and where?” His eagerness leapt off the screen, making her stomach churn. Even through text, she could sense his hopefulness, his anticipation for their reunion. She replied calmly, suggesting their old regular bar—a place she knew might lower his guard.