Chapter 18
Jake
The first ray of sunlight filtered through the bedroom window, and as I looked at Daphne’s face, peacefully asleep beside me, I felt a pang of sadness. I hated having to leave so early. There was something so serene about the way she slept, her hair messily spread across the pillow, that made me want to stay, to sink into the warmth of that bed and simply enjoy her company a little longer.
But reality had other plans. I had an important meeting with my father and the board that morning, and I couldn’t afford to be late. Last night, I had mentioned to Daphne that I’d need to leave early, but that didn’t make the act of leaving any less bitter. I carefully sat up, doing my best not to wake her. She stirred slightly but didn’t open her eyes. I smiled as I watched her, an
