The mornings had started to feel longer since Adrian stopped showing up.Three days wasn’t much, not in the grand scheme of things, but it was enough to make her notice the silence. Enough to make her admit, at least to herself, that she’d been waiting — for a message, a call, something that said he hadn’t disappeared again.But nothing came.The kettle whistled sharply, and Elena poured the hot water into her favorite mug — the chipped one with the faded daisies. The scent of chamomile drifted up, soft and calming, though it did little to steady her heartbeat.Aria padded into the kitchen, dragging her pink blanket behind her, curls a wild halo around her sleepy face. “Morning, Mommy.”“Morning, sunshine.” Elena smiled, setting the mug aside to pour cereal into a bowl. “You sleep okay?”Aria nodded, rubbing her eyes. “Mm-hmm. I dreamed about Mr Blackwood.”Elena froze for a second, her hand hovering over the milk carton
Last Updated : 2026-04-25 Read more