#Chapter 176: Twilight Beach

Olivia The beach stretched ahead, an unending carpet of pale sands kissing the obsidian water under the canopy of twilight. The sea sang its nightly lullaby, and the receding sun cast long, wavering shadows across the sand. Nathan’s silhouette was just one of them, a dark outline against the shimmering expanse of the horizon. As I drew closer, my heart raced in a symphony of uncertainty and hope. He looked handsome as he stood as still as a statue, looking out over the waters. I joined him, quietly stopping at his side. The blanket, tucked securely under my arm, suddenly felt heavy. “Hey,” I whispered now that I had finally reached him. The word hung in the air for a moment before dissipating into the gentle hum of the waves. He looked up, a silent acknowledgment of my presence. “Olivia,” he said after a moment, “what are you doing out here? You should be resting.” Frowning, I extended the blanket to him. “You should wrap this around yourself,” I murmured