nore

sun, bright and golden, streamed through the windows when I finally stirred. I glanced at the ornat

sting, and rushed to the bathroom. After a quick shower, I threw on a simple silk robe, my hair

orning paper, sipping tea. Lily, the young cousin, was engrossed in a game on he

son's mother, looked up, her smile warm. "

, but we saved some for you," M

ing! Did you sleep well? I

, was overwhelming. I felt a blush creep u

e breakfast." She gestured to a small, elegant dining nook. "Everyone else, perhaps you co

I slowly ate a delicate croissant. "First," she said, her eyes serious, "we're going

h flutter

"Remarkable recovery, Ms. Spence," she said, beaming. "Your ribs are healing beautifully, the ar

. "Thank you, doctor," I said, a genuine smile finally touc

t manicured gardens. "This is where Kayson has been recovering," she explained, her

he comatose man I had envisioned. I steeled myself, picturing a frail, unresponsive figure. I

you." He offered me a small, reassuring smile. "He's been very much looking forward to this. He's been awake and

ped up. Awak

s room overlooking a vibrant rose garden. "Kayson, darling,"

g in a wheelchair, facing away from us, his shoulders broad, his dark hair gleami

. My brea

mine. They were intelligent, observant, and oddly familiar. Not the vacant

, his voice a low r

every expectation I had carefully constructed, shattered into a million pie

rs. Knight, sensing my shock, stepped forward, a gentle smile on her f

then reached out and took it. His grip was firm. "Eleanore," he said again,

t before? And why was he looking at

Now that you two have finally met, we can set a date! How about two weeks

defiance, a quiet resolve, settled within me. This was my escape. My new beginning. And h

that reached his eyes. "Two wee

"He's... he's awake?" she stammered, the word hollow. It was then, seeing their faces, that I knew