Bentley stepped through the door, his shoulders heavy with exhaustion. The house was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning. He shut the door gently behind him, careful not to disturb the stillness.
It was past one in the morning, and the darkness outside mirrored the weight pressing against his chest. Bentley loosened his tie as his gaze traveled through the dimly lit sitting room, the soft glow from a table lamp catching the edge of Nova’s frame.
Nova sat on the couch, her body slightly slumped forward, her eyes blinking as she fought off the drowsiness that had crept in. Chloe was curled up on the other end of the couch, fast asleep, a blanket half-draped over her.
The moment Bentley entered, Nova stirred awake, a smile tugging at her lips despite her obvious exhausti
