ALEK POV
The cottage felt warm and inviting, the crackling fire in the hearth casting a soft glow across the room. Alan had done a decent job setting the table, with flowers arranged in a glass vase and candles that flickered romantically. The faint scent of pine from the firewood mixed with the aroma of garlic butter chicken and fresh herbs, creating the perfect setting. But despite the cozy ambiance, something felt… off.
The fire’s warmth didn’t seem to reach me, though it filled the room. Every flicker of a candle reminded me of the light Amber brought into our lives—only now, her absence left an ache that the soft glow couldn’t chase away.
I tossed the kitchen towel over my shoulder, glancing toward the door. Amber had texted us earlier, saying she was spending the day with Vic,
