Maggie snapped back to reality, trying to calm her racing heart.

“Thank you."

Sanford's eyes twinkled with a hint of teasing. "So, is this your idea of a fresh start?"

Maggie offered a sheepish smile. "Sort of."

Though she wasn't yet the formidable woman she aspired to be, she was no longer the pitiable soul everyone could trample on.

“Now that you've grown stronger, don't you plan to do something with it?" Sanford's question was abrupt, almost challenging.

Maggie stared at him, taken aback. “What are you getting at?"

“What's the purpose of your newfound strength?" he pressed.

"To not be underestimated," she replied, blinking.

“Anything else?"

What else was there? Maggie fell silent, lost in thought.

Sanford's gaze intensified and he shot her a glance.

She had left so suddenly, claiming she needed to become stronger, but now she was unclear about her goals?

A surge of irritation bubbled up in him.

Just as he was on the verge of delivering a sharp retort, her soft soothing voice broke through his train of thought.

"And also, to stand by your side. As equals."

Sanford felt like a balloon, swelling with emotion one moment and then deflating the next.

As his irritation dissipated, Maggie's soft voice cut through once more. “But you're getting married..."

Her gaze dropped, a clear sign of her disappointment.

Sanford couldn't help but let a smirk tug at his Lips.