Chapter 115

Emily’s POV

The sunlight dragged me awake before I was ready.

For the first time in weeks, I hadn’t fallen asleep alone. Alex’s warmth had been beside me, his words still wrapped around me like an anchor.

I love you.

They echoed in my mind, soft and steady, soothing every jagged corner of my heart.

But when I blinked awake, he was gone.

The sheets were still warm where he’d been, the faint trace of his cologne lingering in the air. A folded note sat on the nightstand.

My chest tightened as I reached for it.

Didn’t want to wake you.

Call me when you’re ready.

I meant every word.

Alex.

I pressed the note against my lips, torn between relief and fear. Relief that he was finally fighting for me the way I’d always wanted. Fear that letting myself believe him again might be the biggest mistake of my life.

The day stretched forward, heavy with possibilities I wasn’t sure