Her Birthday His Forbidden Desire novel Chapter 28

**Twilight Carves Destinies by George Orwell**

**Chapter 18**

Six months had slipped by, and in a charming little seaside town in southern Italy, the sun began to set over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the quaint cake shop that was preparing to close for the evening. The air was filled with the sweet scent of pastries and the lingering aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a comforting reminder of the day’s hard work.

Sloane, with a sense of satisfaction, removed her apron and carefully organized the leftover baking supplies from the day’s hustle and bustle. Each ingredient was tucked away with care, a ritual she had come to cherish. Once the last item was stored, she turned the key in the lock, sealing the shop for the night, and began her familiar stroll home along the picturesque coast.

This place was a world apart from Riverstone, her former life in the States, which was often drenched in relentless rain. Here, the skies were frequently painted in vibrant shades of blue, and the sun bathed the lemon trees lining the streets in a golden light. The ocean breeze felt inviting and warm, wrapping around her like a soft embrace.

For half a year now, Sloane had made this place her home. The struggles that once clouded her vision had faded; her eyesight had returned to normal, and she had embraced the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. She had even taken on the role of a pastry chef, pouring her heart into the delicate art of baking.

About a month prior, her boss had hinted at the possibility of selling the shop. After some contemplation, she and a coworker had joined forces to buy it, making her a proud co-owner. Life had settled into a steady, peaceful rhythm, a welcome change from the chaos she had once known.

However, that evening, as she walked along the coast, her phone vibrated insistently in her pocket. Pulling it out, she saw a message from Devlin, who was still in Riverstone. “Sloane, brace yourself. Declan has hired a top investigator from overseas. He’s getting closer to finding you.”

A chill crept down her spine, and her heart sank. Deep down, she had always known this day would arrive. That fleeting moment on the pier six months ago had been enough for Declan to believe she was still alive. Since then, he had been relentless in his pursuit, a shadow lurking in the corners of her mind.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice the intersection ahead until it was nearly too late. A convertible sped toward her, its headlights glaring like a predator’s eyes. In that heart-stopping instant, a powerful force collided with her from the side, arms wrapping around her, pulling her down to the ground.

“Sloane, look out!”

The voice was achingly familiar, sending a jolt of recognition through her. It froze her in place, and in the chaos, the two of them hit the pavement hard, the world around them blurring into a cacophony of noise. The car didn’t even slow down, racing off into the darkness like a phantom.

As she lay on the ground, protected by the body shielding her, Sloane felt a few warm drops splatter against her forehead. Panic surged through her as she realized it was blood—someone else’s blood.

Before she could fully comprehend the situation, the arms around her tightened, holding her close as if they would never let go.

“Sloane… it’s really you. Thank God. You’re alive…”

The man’s voice trembled, a mix of grief, relief, and desperation weaving through his words. She could feel the coldness of his tears as they slid down her neck, a stark reminder of the emotions swirling in the air.

Declan.

Just as Devlin had warned… he had found her.

Sloane’s heart raced, pounding against her ribcage like a caged animal desperate to escape. She inhaled shakily, attempting to calm the tempest of emotions raging within her.

Then, without a moment’s hesitation, she raised her hand and forcefully shoved him away.

“Don’t touch me!”

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