CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

ZOEY

I woke up feeling surprisingly light-hearted, a sense of peace settling over me like a warm blanket. The gentle sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. It took me a moment to realize that this was the most peaceful sleep I had experienced in ages.

As I turned, my eyes fell on Alexei, still in peaceful sleep beside me. His face, usually stern and guarded, now seemed softened in sleep. The lines that marked the weight of his responsibilities disappeared, revealing a vulnerability I hadn't expected.

His face, usually stern and guarded, . The lines that etched his features seemed to fade away, revealing a vulnerability I hadn't seen before. 

Studying his face, I couldn't help but realize that Alexei wasn't solely the cold and ruthless man he portrayed himself to be.

In the delicate curve of his lips and the ease in his closed eyes, there was warmth and care. It was a side of him hidden beneath