Chapter 45

Zachary

I’ve lost count of the days.

Sleep had become optional. Peace, nonexistent.

Each one without Daphne stretches endlessly, like time itself is punishing me. Every passing day feels heavier than the last. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up.

I miss her.

The admission sat like broken glass in my chest.

I stared at my phone, fighting the overwhelming urge to call her. I knew she would reject it. She wouldn’t answer.

But just knowing my name would flash across her screen, that some part of her would feel me reaching for her, that she would see I was thinking about her, that alone would satisfy something restless inside me.

Still, I couldn’t do it. Calling her would only ruin my plan.

I’m not staying away because she’s avoiding me. I’m staying away because someone wants us apart. I’m staying away because I don’t want to corner her. I don’t want to pressure her into choosing me. I don’t want to cause her more p