Chapter 1
Grace's POV
The alarm’s piercing ring pulls me from sleep. My eyelids flutter open as I groggily reach for the clock. Right on time. It's Sunday.
Sunday, the one day I crave after six relentless days of work. Normally, my only plan would be to bury myself in the softest corner of my bed and stay there until hunger or the doorbell pulls me out of my cocoon. I wish I didn’t even have a doorbell.
I slide out of bed, heading to the bathroom for my morning routine. After a brisk shower, I tiptoe back to the mirror, careful not to let stray droplets from my hair or legs dampen the floor. I stand on the absorbent mat and take a cotton pad from the drawer, applying toner to my freshly scrubbed face. This is my ritual every morning.
I change into casual but decent clothes and head to the kitchen to prepare a simple cheese toast. While I eat, I lean against the balcony railing, savoring the quiet moment and gazing at the antique chair my mother bought years ago. After finishing, I wash my plate and return to the mirror to brush through my tangled, parched hair.
I tuck a few stray locks behind my ear, straighten my light blue shirt, and button it into my jeans. With a quick glance at my silver-coated watch, I spritz a little perfume, apply lip balm, grab my wallet and keys, and head out.
In the hallway, I pause to check my door lock twice, just like my father always insisted. Satisfied, I take the bus that runs straight to the mall I plan to explore today.
Leo’s birthday is tomorrow. I want to get him something that symbolizes our friendship. We’ve been best friends for two months now, and although we’ve known each other for eight months through work, lately, he's been acting a little insecure. He’s told me no one really listens to him the way I do.
As I walk through the mall, I scrutinize every shop, searching for something special. Shopping isn’t exactly my favorite thing—it’s exhausting. Eventually, a less crowded store catches my eye. I wander in and stop at a display of keychains, each with two initials engraved.
I could get Leo some fancy branded clothes, a watch, or even a wallet. But he’s well-off—he has more than I could ever imagine. After a lot of time and deliberation, I find a keychain with the letters “L” and “G.” L for Leo. G for me. It feels right.
Without overthinking, I buy it. Pride warms my chest as I step out of the store and head home, opting to walk this time.
The streets are strangely quiet, the only sound the occasional chirping of birds. It feels like they’re having their own little social gathering. The usual aggressive wind is calm today, leaving my body warm as I stroll through the city.
As I walk, my mind drifts to him—the man who seems to occupy my thoughts more than anyone else. I can’t seem to shake him, no matter how hard I try. Who is he?
I don’t know. I only know his name… or maybe a little more than that.
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