Chapter 83 ~ A party and a Surprise

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.

Nikolai stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked against the light, trying to shake off the dizziness that was starting.

As he turned his head, he saw Joane sitting beside him, her expression a mix of concern and relief.

"Morning," she said softly, her voice gentle.

"Morning," Nikolai replied, his voice hoarse. He rubbed his eyes and sat up slowly, the events of the previous night coming back to him in fragments.

Joane reached out and took his hand. "Nik, what happened last night? You were so upset."

Nikolai looked away, his jaw tightening. "I’m sorry, Sweetheart. I... I don’t want to talk about it right now. Not before the party."

Joane studied his face, the events of the previous night flashing before her and breaking her heart all over again. She nodded reluctantly.

"Alright. But we will talk about it later, Right?"

"Promise," Nikolai said, squeezing her hand.

With that, Joane