Lara's POV
I woke up feeling sore, but in a way that made me smile. Every ache reminded me of him, of the man who had just become my husband. My skin still carried his warmth, and the sheets still smelled faintly of his cologne. For a fleeting moment, I wanted to stay in that illusion that last night meant something more than just passion and obligation.
But when I turned, the space beside me was empty. The pillow was cold. My heart sank in quiet realization. He was gone. The room felt heavier without him, too still, too silent. I could no longer feel the magnetic pull that always told me he was near.
I forced myself to get up and took a quick shower, hoping the water could wash away the strange hollowness building inside my chest. I slipped into a floral dress that hugged my body perfectly, as if made for me, but even that small comfort felt meaningless when I looked at my reflection. My eyes looked tired, almost empty, as if they knew what my heart refused to admit.
