Chapter 54

The morning light peeked gently into the room, slipping through the white curtains that swayed lazily with the breeze. Vivian stirred faintly, her lips parting as she let out a small yawn. She turned slightly to the right, reaching out a hand, expecting to find warmth beside her.

But her palm met only the cool sheet.

Her eyes shot open. The other side of the bed was empty, neatly arranged as though no one had been there. She sat up with a start, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand and blinking rapidly to shake away sleep.

“Babe?” her voice croaked, still husky from slumber. She stretched her arms above her head and yawned again, then looked toward the bathroom door. “Babe, are you there?”

Silence replied.

She swung her legs off the bed, her bare feet brushing against the rug. Slowly, she padded toward the bathroom, calling again.

“Adrian? Babe, answer me.”

Her knuckles tapped softly against the door, then, when there was still no resp