As Elena stirred from her slumber, her hand reached out instinctively for Kai's comforting presence, only to find the empty space beside her. Panic surged through her as she bolted upright, frantically scanning the room. Her heart sank like a stone as the reality of Kai's departure washed over her.
She checked the time on her mobile and felt a wave of dread wash over her. Kai had been gone for hours, and she hadn't even stirred from her sleep to bid him farewell. Anger and disappointment welled up inside her as she chastised herself for not waking up when he left. Why didn't he wake her up?
Frustrated tears stung her, her fingers trembling as she unlocked the screen. And there it was—a message from Kai, a lifeline to her swirling emotions. With a mix of anticipation and trepidation, she
