16 | Echoes of the Night

*** Liliana's POV

The next morning, I wake slowly, the ache in my body a reminder of the night before. It’s a pleasant soreness, one that fills me with a sense of satisfaction and contentment. As I stretch, I feel the sheets glide over my skin, and for a moment, I bask in the warmth of the bed, in the lingering scent of Eamon that clings to the fabric.

The suite is quiet, almost too quiet, and as I turn over, I realize that Eamon isn’t beside me. My heart sinks a little at the emptiness of the space, at the realization that he’s gone. I take a deep breath, pushing down the disappointment. This was what we’d agreed on, wasn’t it? Time to reflect, to figure out where we stood.

But as I sit up, wrapping the sheet around me like a toga, I can’t help but feel a pang of regret. Part of me had hoped for more of the night before, for the connection we’d found in each other’s arms to continue. But maybe it was better this way. Maybe it was necessary to take a step back, to let the dust settle