Chapter 104

As the soft rays of the morning sun gently filtered through the curtains, Alexander stirred from his slumber, slowly becoming aware of the warm weight resting against his arm. His eyes fluttered open, and his heart skipped a beat as he found Katherine lying beside him, her head almost resting on his chest.

His initial instinct was to push her away, to create distance between them, but he hesitated. In that moment, something within him shifted, and he found himself captivated by the sight before him.

Her peaceful expression as she slept stirred a mixture of emotions within him - a delicate blend of vulnerability, tenderness, and longing.

Her dark hair cascaded gracefully over the pillow, and the soft rise and fall of her chest with each breath filled him with a sense of comfort and familiarity. He observed the delicate curve of her cheek and the gentle lines that adorned her face.

She is pretty. He caught himself thinking as his eyes traced her sharp pointed nose down to her lower lips