The morning sun filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I woke to an empty bed, the space beside me cool where Oliver’s warmth should have been. My heart gave a little lurch, but I shook it off, rubbing sleep from my eyes. With a sigh, I slid out from under the covers, my bare feet brushing against the plush rug. The air felt heavy, like it was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.
I shuffled to the bathroom, letting the hot water of the shower cascade over me, washing away the lingering fog of sleep. Steam curled around me, and for a moment, I could pretend the world was simple—just me, the water, and the quiet. Wrapped in my robe, I stepped back into the bedroom, my damp hair clinging to my shoulders. That’s when I saw it: a small, blue p
