The next morning, I trudged downstairs, clutching the cardboard box that held the last remnants of my life in this world.
The villa felt stripped of me—every trace of my presence erased, except for this box of earthly ties.
Damien's eyes flicked to it, something shifting in his gaze. His lips parted, like he wanted to say something, but I brushed past him, not stopping.
He hesitated, then caught up, his voice low. "Focus on your retreat. Your birthday's the day after tomorrow—I'll pick you up."
My lashes fluttered, a bitter taste rising in my throat.
My 26th birthday. How ironic. That was also the day my time in this world would end. I opened my mouth to say he didn't need to bother, but Chloe rushed over, her face pinched with urgency. "Damien, I'm running late for the shoot. Can you
