All Chapters of THE TIES THAT BINDS US.: Chapter 71

The Morning After the Storm The sunrise stretched slowly across the horizon, spilling molten gold over the sleepy town and setting the ocean ablaze with light. Each wave shimmered like fire meeting water, soft and endless. The wind that drifted through the open balcony doors was cool and clean, carrying the scent of salt and something newer—something almost like peace. The curtains swayed like ghosts retreating into daylight. Inside the room, Matthew sat on the edge of the bed, shirtless, skin still warm from the weight of the night before. Adrian’s arm remained lazily thrown around his waist—solid, comforting, a quiet claim that lingered even in sleep. His fingers twitched lightly against Matthew’s bare skin, as though even unconscious, he wasn’t willing to let go. And Matthew didn’t want him to. He hadn’t slept much. Not out of restlessness, but because he couldn’t bear to close his eyes and risk missing the stillness. The quiet wasn’t frightening anymore. For the first tim