Layla woke again a while later.This time the room was brighter.Sunlight had fully pushed through the tall windows, spreading warm light across the dark furniture and charcoal sheets.
For a few seconds she stayed still, adjusting to the busy morning,then she noticed something different.
The space beside her was empty.
Elias was gone.
The slight warmth left behind on the pillow told her he hadn’t left too long ago.
Layla rolled onto her back and stretched slowly, the soft sheets tangling around her legs.
Her eyes drifted around the room again.
Elias’s room looked calmer and less intimidating in daylight,still minimal, still controlled — but now she noticed small details she hadn’t before. A watch neatly placed on the nightstand and his laptop bag resting beside the desk.
Layla sat up
