Chapter 410

The day had finally begun to quiet down after Jessica’s homecoming celebration. The children were tucked into bed, the laughter had faded from the halls, and the house had settled into a rare hush.

In Jessica’s room, the warm glow of a bedside lamp bathed the walls in a soft light. She sat propped against pillows, her long hair tumbling over her shoulders, her body still tender from the gunshot wound but stronger than she felt days ago. Matthew sat beside her, perched on the edge of the bed. He had insisted on staying with her, arguing she shouldn’t be left alone so soon after leaving the hospital.

Jessica found herself watching him quietly, noticing the way the lamplight caught the lines of weariness on his face. He had barely slept while she was in a coma—she knew that now. Every hollow under his eyes, every crease of worry etched across his brow told the story of nights spent waiting, fearin