Chapter 177. Where Hope Burns

Alexander’s POV

Her voice comes like smoke—soft but searing.

“Alexander, why do you keep doing this to yourself?”

It’s not the first time I’ve heard those words. But nothing about them hits quite like today. Her tone isn’t angry—it’s tired. Disappointed. Like she’s watching her son slowly unravel in broad daylight and doesn’t know how to stitch him back together. Her voice drapes over the living room like a shadow, making everything feel heavier than it already is.

I look at her from where I sit on the couch, barely present in the moment. My gaze meets hers, but I don’t speak. I can’t. My body’s here, but my soul… God knows where it is.

I bring the glass to my lips and swallow down the bitter taste of wine—my second bottle of the day. It burns down my throat, and still, it’s not enou