Hot water streamed down Thor’s body as if it could wash away not only sweat and tension but also guilt, shame, and fear.

When he stepped out of the bathroom, a towel knotted at his waist and his hair still damp, he crossed to the closet. He looked at his clothes, his material achievements—everything he had long believed defined him. Yet in that moment, they all felt small compared to the immensity of winning Celina’s love back. He knew the road ahead would be long and painful, and he was ready to walk it. He would break every barrier, one by one, to earn his place in her heart again.

At seven o’clock Celina, who had already nibbled on a snack and read a few pages from one of the books by her bed, heard a gentle knock at the door.

“Come in,” she said, expecting Thor.

But to her surprise it was Gabriel, smiling broadly with a bouquet of white roses in his hands.

Her eyes widened.

“Gabriel? I… I can’t believe you’re here!”

He came closer and offered her the bouquet.

“You really think I’d