Emma's Pov
I spent the afternoon on a natural high, a dizzying mix of pure exhaustion and sheer triumph. The smell of fresh paint and new beginnings in the apartment was intoxicating. My drafting table was assembled, perfectly angled by the enormous, light-drenched windows, and all my beloved, heavy architectural magazines were stacked in a proud, imposing tower beside it. The things Ethan hated the most were now the centerpiece of my new sanctuary. I paused, running a hand over the smooth, cool wood of the table, letting the silence of the city wash over me. This was freedom, carved out in steel and glass.
At exactly 7:00 PM, my doorbell rang. Cole's presence was a palpable, silent assurance from my front door to the elevators, a thick blanket of safety I was starting to rely on. The knowledge that a silent, formidable protector was just steps away made the frantic beat of my heart when I opened the door even more significant.
