Nuru's POV
I was able to pull myself together during the flight and landing, but as I boarded the car taking me back to the palace, the grief threatened to consume me once more. I had cried for half the journey, the partition pulled up, creating a solitary cocoon where I could let my tears flow freely. I needed someone with me, a comforting presence.
My trembling fingers dialed Adrian's number, and my heart raced as I waited for him to answer. I didn't want to be alone during this dark time.
When his voice greeted me at the other end, the tears I had been holding back started to flow uncontrollably. "Adrian," I began, my voice shaking with the weight of my words.
"It's my father... he's gone." There was a solemn pause as Adrian absorbed my statement.
"I'm so sorry, Nuru," he finally s
