281. We can't live without each other

At eleven at night, Noah and Jemma reached Noah's apartment. He removed his blazer, heading straight to the bar to pour himself a whiskey. There was only one bedroom—Noah's. Jemma entered and found her belongings already moved from October Villa. She realized this was going to be her new home. After taking her nightgown from her things, Jemma showered and changed into a satin blush-coloured nightgown. Noah was nowhere to be found. Anxious about his arrival and reaction, she lay down on the bed but ended up sleeping without Noah coming in.

In the morning, she woke up early, noticing no signs of movement in the bedroom from the previous night. When she stepped out, she found Noah asleep on the living room couch. He hadn't changed his clothes and was still in his black shirt, pants, shoes, and watch. The table held an empty bottle of alcohol, a glass, and an overflowing ashtray. He had slept there, not entering the bedroom. Jemma felt a sense of relief.

The silent routine persisted for s