I stared at the words Nicolas had just sent to me. What more was there to discuss?
I didn't reply. I tossed my phone aside and buried my face in the pillow,wishing the world would just stop for a moment. But there was no escaping this. Tomorrow would come, and with it, more impossible choices.
The morning light streamed through the hotel curtains, pulling me from a restless sleep. I sat up, groggy and disoriented, trying to shake off the heaviness of the night before. The weight of everything—Nicolas, Stella, Chris, the baby—pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe.
I dragged myself out of bed, determined to get through the day. Then I saw a little note on the nightstand. It was a message from Chris.
Morning, beautiful. Stepped out to get our breakfast. Love you.
The guilt hit m
