Rebecca’s POVThat night, for the first time since we started staying together, he allowed me to sleep on the same bed with him. Past times, I stayed on the couch. We lay there side by side, fully clothed, the distance between us small but carefully respected. The room was quiet, except for the slow rhythm of his breathing and the faint crackle of the fire burning low in the hearth. I was lying there staring at the ceiling—brain wouldn't shut up, and my body completely worn out in a way sleep couldn't fix.“Goodnight, Rebecca,” he said after a moment, holding his voice even, but there was no harshness in it.“Goodnight, Mr Smith,” I replied.I turned onto my side, facing away from him, and clutched the blanket close. His warmth was solid behind me, quiet and constant, making the darkness feel less overwhelming. For once, I didn't feel entirely alone.Quietly, sleep started to settle over me... and then it came down hard like a wave.---I was running.Breathing hurt like hell, each
Last Updated : 2026-01-16 Read more