The next day arrived quietly.
The first rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains, painting the bedroom in soft gold.
Evelyn stirred slowly, her lashes fluttering open as warmth surrounded her.
For a brief second, she did not move. She simply lay there, aware of the steady rise and fall of the body pressed against her back.
She smiled as Axel's arm was wrapped firmly but warmly around her waist, holding her close even in his deep sleep. The warmth radiating from him felt comforting, solid, familiar.
Then, she turned her head slightly to look at him.
He was still soundly asleep.
Or so she thought.
She had no idea what time he returned last night. When she fell asleep, the bed had been empty. Now he was here, breathing evenly, his face relaxed in a way that only appeared when he was truly exhausted.
He must have come home very late.
Carefully, Evelyn tried to slip out of his embrace. She moved slowly, lifting his arm just enough to create space between them.
