Tugging at his heartstrings.

Daphne thought about the roses by her pillow in the morning, the piano, and their intimate moments.

Was there perhaps another woman he was into?

No.

He had told her she was the only person he was seeing.

Then what was it then?

Did he not believe in love?

She pouted knowing that if she confesses her feelings to him,it would be the end of what they both had.

Quietly, she prepared a midnight snack for him, placing it in an insulated container on the table. When he was ready to leave the study, he would see it waiting for him.

Sitting in the living room, Daphne checked the financial statements of the music studio. Then she took a shower, tending to her skincare routine.

*********

Late at night,Griffin sat in the study.

He was surrounded by smoke-filled air and cigarette butts in the ashtray. As he finished his last cigarette, he crushed the box and discarded it.

With his eyes feeling weary, he realized it was getting very late.

Standing up, he made his way out.

The living room was dim, il