Sophia woke before the alarm.
Not because of sunlight.
Because of silence.
A different kind of silence.
She frowned sleepily, eyes still closed, trying to place what felt unfamiliar.
The mattress.
The scent of cedarwood and freshly washed linen.
The faint hum of traffic far below.
Then memory returned.
Adrian’s apartment.
A slow smile spread across her face before she even opened her eyes.
For years, Sophia had imagined that the morning after crossing such an important line would feel awkward.
Embarrassing.
Overwhelming.
Instead…
She felt peaceful.
She slowly turned her head.
Adrian was still asleep beside her.
She had never seen him like this before.
His hair, usually neat, had fallen across his forehead.
His breathing was slow and even.
One arm rested carelessly acro
