Chapter 72

Vincent

The room is pitch black when I feel a gentle prodding on my shoulder, barely noticeable at first.

I try to ignore it, burrowing deeper into the warm embrace of my covers. But the poking persists, and I reluctantly open one eye to find Sarah hovering over me, her eyes wide with urgency.

"Vincent," she whispers, her voice barely above a breath. "Wake up."

I groan, squinting as Sarah reaches over to switch on the small bedside lamp.

"Sarah, what the hell?" I ask, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The grogginess clings to me like a heavy blanket, and I fight to shake it off.

"Vincent," Sarah begins, her eyes searching mine with a mix of curiosity and concern. "I want to know about Lucy. What was your relationship like?"

I groan again.

"Sarah, it's the middle of the night. Can't we talk about this later?" I mumble, hoping she will take pity on me and let me go back to sleep.

"No, Vincent, I want to know now." Her voice holds an edge of impatience.

"You've got to be kidding me right n