“To success,” Derek echoed, his eyes locked on mine.

The soup was delicious, but I could barely taste it.

My chest felt tight, my heart beating in a steady, frantic rhythm.

I looked at my watch.

It was ten minutes past eight.

The courier should be arriving soon.

“Are you expecting someone, Monica?” Richard asked, noticing my glance.

“Just a minor delivery,” I said, keeping my tone casual.

“At this hour?” Derek asked, his eyebrows knitting together.

“It’s a special document,” I said.

“A confirmation for the renovations we’re planning.”

“Renovations?” Derek asked, his voice tightening again.

“We haven’t discussed any renovations, Monica.”

“Oh, it’s a surprise, Derek,” I said with a small smile.

“I wanted to make sure everything was finalized before I showed you.”

“I don’t like surprises,” Derek said, his laugh sounding forced.

“Especially when they involve the house.”

“You’ll like this one,” I said.

“It simplifies things so much.”

Richard looked between us, his fork pausing mid-air.

“It’s always good to have things in writing,” Richard said.

“Exactly,” I said.

“Annika always says that paperwork is the only thing you can truly rely on.”