Nicole's POV
The alarm buzzed before the sun fully rose, sharp and insistent. I turned it off quickly, sitting up in bed with a heaviness that sleep didn’t erase. For a moment, I stayed still, listening.
The house was already awake.
I took my bath, dressing quietly, choosing something simple. I avoided looking at the mirror.
Downstairs, the kitchen smelled faintly of coffee, fresh juice, baked beans, and waffles.
Adrian stood by the counter, scrolling through his phone, with his jacket draped over a chair. He looked up when I entered. Our eyes met briefly. He nodded once, nothing more.
Liam comes in moments later, adjusting his watch, energy sharp and focused like he’s already halfway out the door. He didn’t look at me right away.
“Morning,” he said eventually.
“Morning,” I repli
