hen Shadows

erciless chain around his neck. But for the first time in months, his manager insisted he take a short break, even if it meant dragging him home like a ha

t of fresh pinewood mixed with subtle vanilla in the air. It felt unfamiliar, yet comforting. Maybe the estate staff had been experimenting with a

rilled chicken with fresh fruit juice-and collapsed onto the plush bed, the

know he wa

nother corner o

outside the window couldn't lull her into slumber. She'd taken a slow stroll through the garden to clear her

est more than anything. So she walked barefoot across the cold marble floors and returned to the

t wasn't

s Cas

figure lay curled in the dark room. At first, Sophia assumed it was

ustify his choice

she marched forward, her a

, pulling the edge of the blanket. "Get o

she did what she knew best-ki

person groaned, turning around, face revealing itself

when her

Da

ss

gily. "Damien?" he m

in a nightdress that wasn't completely buttoned, her long hair cascading down her shoulder

ph

oed in both their minds like a c

Years had passed since the last time they'd stood this close. The last time they shared breath, shared silenc

ere sh

once clung to long-sleeved shirts and quiet glances was gone. In her place stood a

rayed a sliver of delicate skin and a hint of cleavage. She didn't flinch. She didn't pull the

are you doing here?"

failed. He felt like a child ca

this room was

ocked aside earlier. "I don't care what your excuses are. Ju

d curled herself into it, clutching the pillow to her chest. She didn't even care

prepared for this. Hadn't even known she was b

e said softly, more

muttered into the pillow, "I

is lips despite the ten

she replied, no

ime. The kind that came with unspo

haring a room with the woman he had wronged eight years ago. The same woman he h

lf, numb and expressionless, while he walked out without looking back. He thought letting her go without

d fell in gentle rhythm. A whiff of something sweet-maybe from he

he'd expected f

ing her pillow, and muttered

sig

sor

y, as though afraid to disturb the

knew sh

d him more th

ved so much more than a w

That

there, just a few steps away. That she was real. Back. Breathing the same air

to the soft hum of the air conditioner, and wondered if fa

t rev

ething

wouldn't let it go u

f Cha