Chapter 14. Alone

Evelyn

Sunlight filtered through the small gap between the curtains, landing softly on my face. I squeezed my eyes shut, determined not to wake up, but it only lasted a moment before I gave in. Panic shot through every one of my veins as I opened my eyes and saw the empty space beside me.

Sitting up hurriedly, I scanned the room.

Did he not come home last night?

I slipped on my slippers, ready to search for him, when a realization stopped me in my tracks. I’d fallen asleep on the sofa, waiting for him. Yet here I was, waking up in bed. The memory hit me then—his strong arms carrying me to bed, his warmth enveloping me as he held me close.

I stepped out of the bedroom, my ears catching the soft clatter of utensils. Following the sounds to the kitchen, I found him there, cooking breakfast.

A sigh of relief escaped me at the sight. He stood at the stove, relaxed and focused, as if the weight of our troubles didn’t exist. As if we didn’t have a