Just before reaching the hallway, I stopped. My hand gripped the wooden rail, and I took a moment to steady myself. A deep breath. Then another. I closed my eyes and exhaled slowly, trying to summon whatever courage I had left.
Then I descended.
The moment I stepped into view, I saw him—Alexander. Standing tall in the middle of my living room. His broad frame, dressed in a dark tailored coat and slacks, somehow made the room feel smaller, like the walls had shrunk to accommodate his mood.
He hadn’t noticed me yet. His back was to me, and from the way he stood—still, shoulders squared, hands tucked into his pockets—I could tell he was deep in thought.
For a second, I just stared, absorbing him being here.
Clearing my throat, I forced my voice to sound steady.
“What brought you here th
