After Thor left for the office that morning, Celina stayed in the living room for a few minutes, lost in thought. A smile refused to leave her lips, and her heart felt lighter than it had in years. She finally stood, picked up her phone, and dialed Zoe’s number. It only rang twice before her friend’s cheerful voice came through.

“So, you actually made the almighty boss cut me loose today?” Zoe teased, her tone dripping with humor.

“Yes, girl! I had to see you today no matter what. Too bad you couldn’t come to the event last night. I wanted my friends there with me so badly.”

“Oh, honey, I was dying with cramps. Felt like a full-on battlefield inside me. I could barely get out of bed,” Zoe replied, making Celina laugh.

“After the event, he took me out to dinner. It was just so... perfect.”

“I’m so happy you two finally worked things out,” Zoe said, her grin almost audible. “I can’t even believe it! May you be shielded from envy and bad energy, locked and sealed, amen.”

Celina burst out