Chapter 128

Victoria The weeks following our anniversary celebration flew by with dizzying speed, happiness accelerating time until our honeymoon's conclusion loomed on the horizon. During these precious days, my artistic abilities had flourished unexpectedly, my hands seemingly guided by some primal wolf instinct to document and preserve every meaningful moment between us. Each evening while Leo attended to pack business calls, I'd retreat to the villa's terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea. There, with the Mediterranean breeze carrying the scent of salt and cypress, I would sketch and paint our journey together—the misunderstanding at the beach, our reconciliation, our passionate reconnection in the wine cellar, and countless tender moments between. Today marked my final lesson with Nicos, the local artist who'd become both mentor and friend during our stay. "You have something special, Victoria," Nicos said as he carefully wrapped the commissioned portrait he'd completed of Leo and me. "Your tech