The soft, calming music of the spa filled the air, a stark contrast to the quiet tension building within Sofia Watson. She adjusted the pristine white towels on the massage table, her movements precise and practiced. It had been a year since her life took an unexpected turn, since the whispers and the scandal had forced her from the classroom into this world of hushed tones and scented oils. Now, a new client was due, and the name on her schedule had made her breath catch. A knock at the door, and her heart gave a small, unwelcome lurch. She smoothed down her uniform, taking a steadying breath before opening it. Her professional smile faltered for a fraction of a second, the polite mask slipping as her eyes met his. It was him. The man who had always looked at her a little too long in the staff room, the one whose gaze she had tried to ignore. The air in the small room suddenly felt thick, charged with unspoken history. Welcome, Sofia Watson managed, her voice calm despite the tremor she felt deep inside. Please, make yourself comfortable. I'll just step out for a moment so you can get ready.