I couldn't help the grin spreading across my face as I eyed the titles of the books Callum had sent. I didn't recognize any of them, but they were new, untouched—waiting for me. Sprawling across my bed, I scattered the volumes over the crimson sheets, running my fingers over the leather-bound spines and appreciating the smooth covers beneath my fingertips.
Choosing a book that caught my eye, I flipped onto my back, my gown billowing beneath me, and started reading. As I sank into the story, the world around me disappeared. The weight of the day slipped away, the words becoming a sanctuary from the uncertainty of my future. It was a rare moment of peace, one I cherished.
I don't know how long I read, lost in the pages, but my peaceful reading was abruptly interrupted by the deafening chim
