Chapter 29. Valentine Morning

LEO

By the time I reached the island, the moon was high and the sky ink-black.

The garage door opened automatically, sliding up with a low mechanical whirr.

I parked, shifted the car into neutral, and just sat there.

My hands fell to my lap. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes.

I’d lived on this island alone for years—that’s how comfortable I was in my solitude. How did I go from that person to someone losing his mind over another’s absence?

I wasn’t the type to care about being left alone.

After a few seconds of silent meltdown, I turned off the engine, stepped out slowly, and walked to my other car.

I opened the backseat, picked up the bouquets first, then the human-sized teddy bear.

Balancing them awkwardly in my arms, I trudged to the entrance.

The door recognized me instantly, unlocking with a faint beep.

KC’s voice greeted me again. “Welcome back, Boss.”

This time, I didn’t reply.

Just climbed t