Stephanie's POV:
The sunlight poured through the window as I pulled back the curtains, the golden rays hitting my face and making me squint. Another day. Another empty, frustrating day.
I let out a long sigh, dragging myself toward the bathroom. The cold tile floor beneath my bare feet sent a chill up my spine. The shower was quick but scalding, the heat biting at my skin in a futile attempt to wash away the anger bubbling just beneath the surface.
After drying off, I slipped into the dress the hotel staff had brought me the previous evening. It was beautiful, but I barely noticed. It wasn’t like I was going anywhere. Not by choice, at least.
Back in the room, I picked up one of the novels from the small stack on the bedside table. My movements were mechanical, my mind barely reg
