New Beginnings and Old Shadows

Emma’s pov

I woke up, groggy and disoriented, from our shared bed. My first thought was of Daniel and the threats he faced. The worry gnawed at me, refusing to let go. But as I stretched, a delightful scent wafted into the room, cutting through my anxiety. Toast, and something else... eggs? Bacon?

Curious and slightly hungry, I got up and followed the aroma to the kitchen. There, I found Michael, his back turned to me, expertly flipping pancakes. He looked so out of place, yet so right, in the luxurious kitchen of his home. Michael's house was nothing like mine. It was modern and sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline, a large open-plan living area with designer furniture, and a state-of-the-art kitchen with every appliance imaginable. The place screamed wealth and sophistication, and I often felt out of place in it.

"Good morning," I greeted, leaning against the doorframe with a smile.

"Morning, beautiful," he replied without turning around. "Breakfast