The minutes ticked by slowly after I ended the call. My heart thudded loudly in the silence of the apartment as I paced the floor, trying to keep my nerves in check. Every sound outside made me glance toward the door, my anticipation mingling with a simmering desperation.
When the knock finally came, my breath hitched. I smoothed my hands over my dress, trying to compose myself before opening the door.
Nicolas stood there, his expression unreadable, his hands buried in the pockets of his dark coat. He looked tired, the weight of our situation etched in the lines around his eyes. But his presence still sent a familiar jolt through me—a reminder of why I couldn’t let him go.
“You came,” I said softly, stepping aside to let him in.
“I always do,” he replied, his voice low as he crossed th
