Alexis Brandt POV:
Our car sped towards the airport, the city lights blurring into streaks of gold and red. I sat in silence, watching the familiar landscape recede. A memory flickered – Austin, years ago, after his first project failed, losing everything. I' d sold my car, my only asset, to help him restart. We used to ride his old electric scooter, laughing, exhilarated by the wind in our hair and the simple joy of being together.
Now, he had luxury cars, but the happiness had vanished. The sharp irony wasn't lost on me.
The night wind whipped through the open window, carrying away the heavy dust of memory, cleansing my mind. My father, sitting beside me, glanced over, his eyes filled with tender concern. He opened his mouth, then sighed, shaking his head. He reached over, patting my hand gently. "Rest, child," he murmured. "It's all over now."
And it was. I closed my eyes, the exhaustion of five years in prison, five horrible days of betrayal, finally catching up. I slept for two days straight, a deep, dreamless sleep that was more like a coma.
When I finally woke, the morning sun streamed through a large window. A man stood by the bed, tall and elegant, a stranger. "Good morning," he said, his voice soft and melodious. "Your father went out for a bit. I brought you some porridge."
I nodded, a little dazed. He handed me a bowl. As I ate, I studied him. He moved with an easy grace, pouring something into a delicate crystal glass.
"What are you doing?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
He smiled. "Experimenting with wine. Trying to find a new blend." He held out a glass. "Care to try?"
I glanced at the various bottles on the table, then at the deep crimson liquid in the glass. "It's missing something," I said, almost without thinking. "Too much oak, not enough fruit."
His eyebrows rose in surprise. "You know wine?"
"A little," I admitted.
He pushed the glass towards me. "Please, enlighten me."
I took the glass, added a splash of brandy and a hint of elderflower liqueur. Swirled it once, twice, then handed it back. He watched me, his initial amusement replaced by a keen interest. He took a sip. His eyes widened.
"Incredible," he breathed, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You broke the balance, but in doing so, you found a deeper, more complex flavor. How did you know?"
I lowered my gaze. "Just... experimenting," I mumbled. I couldn't tell him it was Austin who had taught me, that we had spent countless evenings trying to find the perfect blend. That was a past I wanted to forget.
He seemed to understand, a gentle smile touching his lips. He didn' t press. "My name is Blaze Barton," he said, extending a hand. "Perhaps you'd like to try your hand at winemaking with me?"
I hesitated for a moment, then took his hand. His touch was warm, comforting. "Alexis Brandt," I replied. The name felt new, fresh, unburdened.
