CH.24

I stirred awake after an uninterrupted night's sleep at the morning light streaming through the gap in the curtains.

A groan escaped my lips.

I shifted under the covers to reach out for Karl but found an empty space beside me.

My heart sank at his absence.

I slipped into my fluffy slippers and padded toward the bathroom for a shower. As per my routine, I carefully placed my wedding ring next to the mirror.

Its diamond sparkled under the fluorescent light. It reminded me of our wedding vows.

I showered and dressed in a simple sundress before running a comb through my wet hair. A swipe of lip balm later, I was ready to face the day.

The hotel restaurant was buzzing with activity when I arrived and sat down at one of the solitary tables near a window.

The aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the air while soft jazz played in the background.

My phone buzzed with messages from Rosie as usual: "You should have taken me along! You're such a bad friend."

Her words made me roll my eyes.

"I wou