Elodie's POV~
Half a month. That's all it had been since I walked out of the villa for the last time. Half a month, and already the quietness was beginning to feel like my only friend. No shouting, no cold silences, no reminders of a life that had slowly hollowed me out. Just me, my little apartment, and the sunlight spilling in through the windows.
I stretched, feeling the warmth on my skin, and let out a long, shivering breath. My plants needed water, my stomach a simple breakfast. For a moment, I let myself pretend life could be simple. Just for a little while.
And then the doorbell rang.
I froze, my heart lurching in a way I hadn't felt in years. I wasn't expecting anyone. Slowly, I padded to the door and opened it to see Mrs. Smith, smiling warmly, holding a basket of food.
"Frey
