The Mediterranean villa was quiet, its grand living room filled with the warm glow of late-afternoon sunlight. Reese sat cross-legged on the plush sectional, as she flipped through her tablet, though her mind was barely registering the scrolling photos of properties. The faint hum of the heating system blended with the calming scent of citrus and sandalwood—details she had perfected for every showing.

Across from her, Naomi flipped through a bridal magazine, her diamond ring catching the light with every turn of the page. Her expression was half-focused, the way it always was when she was trying to manage both excitement and nerves.

"Okay, real question," Naomi began, holding up a two-page spread of an engagement shoot set against rolling hills. "Are announcement photos like this over the top, or should I lean into it?"

Reese smirked, "Are we talking about the couple staring wistfully into the distance or the ones where they're lying in the grass, gazing at each other like they're on the cover of a romance novel?"

Naomi rolled her eyes but laughed. "Both! Seriously, I have no idea how people make these look natural. Did you and Collin do engagement photos?"

The question landed awkwardly between them. Naomi's face froze as the realization hit her. "Oh my God, I'm sorry," she blurted, looking horrified. "I didn't mean to—"

Reese raised a hand, stopping her. "Relax, Naomi. It's fine. We did photos. Nothing crazy—just a simple shoot by the pier in Santa Monica." She hesitated before adding, "It feels like another lifetime ago."

Naomi nodded quickly, her cheeks flushed. "Forget I said that. How was Tahoe?"

Reese chuckled softly, feigning annoyance as she set her tablet aside. "Relaxing," she said simply.

Naomi groaned. "Relaxing? That's all I get? You vanish to a cabin in the snow with Collin for three days, and you can't give me anything better than 'relaxing'?"

We went ice skating, made s'mores, spent some time by the fire..." Reese paused for effect. "It was nice."

"Nice?" Naomi pressed, her voice rising in disbelief. "And?" Naomi pressed, her grin widening.

"And nothing," Reese replied, though a faint blush crept up her cheeks. "It was just a weekend away."

"Uh-huh," Naomi said, her voice dripping with skepticism. "That's not just a weekend. That's a Hallmark movie."

Reese rolled her eyes but couldn't help laughing. "It wasn't as dramatic as that. We're taking things slow remember."

"I'll take your word for it," Naomi replied, though her tone suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. Naomi's skepticism softened into something more thoughtful. "Well, for what it's worth, you seem happy. And I'm rooting for you. Both of you."

Reese smiled faintly. "Thanks."

The sound of footsteps on the front porch interrupted the moment. Both women straightened instinctively, shifting gears into professional mode as the door creaked open.

Christian Grey stepped inside, his presence filling the room with an intensity that made Reese's breath hitch. He was as impeccably dressed as ever, his tailored suit emphasizing his sharp features, but it was his piercing gaze that held her attention.

Naomi's eyes widened slightly, darting to Reese in silent recognition before settling back on Christian. She didn't say a word, but the flicker of understanding in her expression was unmistakable. Christian's gaze flicked briefly to Naomi before locking onto Reese with a focus that made her skin prickle "Hello Ms. Sutherlin," he said his voice as cool and composed as ever.

"Mr. Grey," Reese said, her tone carefully measured.

Naomi looked between them, the tension palpable even to her. "I, uh, need to check on those flyers we left outside. Excuse me for a minute."

As she brushed past Reese, she murmured, "I'll be just outside if you need me."

The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Reese and Christian alone. He stepped closer, his gaze steady but unreadable.

"You know, when someone texts you, it's usually common courtesy to text back," he began," I didn't expect you to ignore my message," Christian said, stepping closer.

Reese's jaw tightened, but she forced herself to keep her voice calm, letting out a sarcastic chuckle. "Wow," she began crossing her arms, " Mr. Grey I'm not sure where you come off showing up here unannounced, I might add, talking about common courtesy—-"

Christian's jaw tightened. For a moment, he seemed to weigh his words, but when he spoke, his voice softened. "You invited me."

Reese scoffed, "I was just reaching out to see if you were interested in seeing the property to which you didn't respond so why don't you tell me why you're really here."

Christian's jaw clenched and for a moment the silence hung heavy between them. "You're angry."

Reese let out a soft incredulous laugh. "Angry? No Mr. Grey. Angry was three months ago. Then confusion. Now, I'm just...indifferent."

His eyes darkened, his posture stiffening. He exhaled slowly, as if reining himself in, "I came here today because I wanted to explain."

Reese raised a brow, her posture rigid. "Explain what exactly? Why you disappeared after—"

"After Ana showed up," he interrupted, his tone sharp but steady. "Yes."

The name sent a fresh wave of anger and humiliation through her, but she refused to let it show.

"I made a lot of mistakes that night, Reese and I wanted to apologize for them."

Reese's chest tightened, a mix of confusion and old hurt rising within her. "So sleeping with me was a mistake?"

Christian stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "Definitely not. But I know I owe you an explanation of what happened after between me and Ana. And I know I want a chance to—"

"Stop," Reese cut him off, holding up a hand. "I don't want or need an explanation anymore. I've moved on from whatever this was trying to be."

His jaw clenched, but he didn't look away. "Have you?"

Reese opened her mouth to respond, but the sound of voices outside the door cut her off. She stepped back, straightening her posture as two potential buyers entered the room.

Christian hesitated, his eyes lingering on hers before he turned to leave. "This isn't over," he said quietly, his tone laced with certainty.

Reese squared her shoulders, her voice firm but hollow. "Yes, it is."

But as she turned to greet the buyers with a practiced smile, the echo of his words lingered, gnawing at the edges of her resolve.

This wasn't over.