Loren’s POV
I was supposed to come on the weekend.
That was the plan.
It wasn’t even a complicated one—just timing. Stay away long enough to handle what needed handling, come back when things are settled.
Except somewhere between leaving and now, it stopped making sense.
So I came back early.
I didn't announce it. I don’t send a word ahead. By the time I’m walking the path to the house. I’ve already decided I won’t explain either.
The guards are standing at their usual spot.
One of them straightens slightly when he sees me, another gives a short nod.
Everything is quiet.
I push the door slowly.
Mia is sitting at the small table near the window, papers spread out in front of her, a pen in her hand. There’s a book open to one side, another stacked beneath it. She is frowning
