All Chapters of Ruthless Temptation: Chapter 111 - Chapter 115

Emma’s POV The sun filtered through the tall windows of our kitchen, casting warm light across the breakfast table like golden ribbons. The soft hum of the espresso machine filled the silence, accompanied by the occasional rustle of paper or tapping of fingertips against a screen. Across from me, Alina sat in her favorite seat—tucked into the corner, backlit by the morning light, her dark curls piled on top of her head in a messy bun. She looked so grown up in her oversized sweatshirt and bike shorts, scrolling through her college checklist on her iPad like she was planning a corporate presentation instead of preparing for her first year at university. My heart twisted at the sight. She pursed her lips in concentration, muttering something about needing an extra extension cord and double-checking whether her laptop charger would be long enough for the dorm layout. Her checklist was long and color-coded—of course.

Emma The first morning without Alina was quieter than I expected. The house felt more spacious, the corners less filled with her laughter and music, the kitchen less cluttered with her half-finished cereal bowls. Killian and I had the space to breathe, but it felt so… empty. Even our younger son, Leo, was still at school. For the first time in years, we were alone. I woke up to the soft weight of Killian beside me. His warmth wrapped around me, but there was a difference today. A certain stillness that seemed to be hanging between us. After all these years of constant activity, endless schedules, and busy mornings, it felt surreal. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking the silence. I grabbed it without thinking, seeing a message from Alina. “Made it through the first day! It’s been fun, but I miss you both. Let’s Skype tonight?” I smiled. It was the same old Alina, taking everything in stride