Iris’s POV
I woke up alone in the bed that morning.
The light was already pushing through the curtains, bright and steady, and the space beside me felt empty and cold. The sheets had already lost his warmth, and the silence in the room felt heavier than usual. A note sat neatly on Marcus’s pillow, folded in a way that was familiar and careful.
Had to leave early this morning. I have a meeting at eight. I will be home by dinner. Love you.
I read the note twice before setting it down on the nightstand beside me. The apartment felt too quiet, like the walls were listening, like something had shifted overnight. I lay there for a while with my hand pressed against my chest, feeling the leftover panic from the night before.
It had not fully gone away.
I had sent the message.
I had typed
