CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE

ZOEY

It was nighttime, and Emma had finally left, leaving Yelena to retire to her room. I was thankful for their company, as it kept my mind occupied, preventing my thoughts from spiraling out of control.

As the night grew darker, I realized I hadn't seen or heard from Alexei all day. Given the late hour, I figured he might be in his room.

I checked his room and office, but he was nowhere to be found. His office was dark, and even Yaz didn't know his whereabouts. I began to worry; Alexei would have informed me if he was going out. I returned to his office, switched on the light, and went inside.

To my surprise, my legs hit something warm, startling me. "What the heck, Alexei?" I exclaimed, catching my breath.

I found him sitting on the floor with three bottles of wine, his eyes red and a look of misery on his face. My heart sank at the sight of him in such despair.

As I knelt in front of him, concern etched on my face, I gently touched his hands. "Alexei, are you okay?"

He lifted his