Annabelle groaned as sunlight peeked through the heavy curtains of their bedroom. She stirred reluctantly, turning her head away from the intrusion, wishing she could just sleep through the morning. But the weight of the day already pressed on her shoulders, and she knew Derek wouldn’t let her laze around.
She heard the faint rustling of sheets behind her and froze. Derek was still in bed.
"You're awake," his deep voice broke the silence, cold and precise as ever.
Annabelle sighed and turned slightly to glance over her shoulder. He sat upright, his posture perfect, the thin sliver of his blindfold which he uses overnight was shining in the sunlight. Even without seeing her, his presence was overwhelming.
"Good morning to you too," she muttered, her voice laced with sarcasm as she
