The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, painting the room in warm, golden hues. Annabelle stirred, her eyelids fluttering open as she blinked away the remnants of sleep. For a moment, she lay still, savoring the quiet and the comforting weight of Derek’s arm draped over her. His steady breathing was a soothing rhythm, and she felt a surge of gratitude for his presence. Last night’s conversation had been heavy, but it had also brought them closer. She felt lighter, as if sharing her fears had lifted a burden she hadn’t realized she was carrying.
Carefully, she slipped out of bed, not wanting to wake him. She padded to the window and pulled the curtains open, letting the morning light flood the room. The world outside looked peaceful—birds chirped in the trees, and a gentl
