The morning light filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Annabelle stirred, her eyes fluttering open as a smile spread across her face. She stretched lazily, feeling the warmth of the sheets around her. Today was going to be a good day—she had decided that the moment she woke up. Even the thought of going to school couldn’t dampen her spirits. She turned her head to the side, her gaze landing on Derek, who was still lying beside her, his face relaxed in sleep.
“Good morning, handsome,” she said, her voice soft but filled with warmth. She couldn’t help but admire the way his dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, the way his chest rose and fell with each steady breath. He looked peaceful, and it made her heart swell.
Derek stirred at the sound of her
