CHAPTER 51

Emma's POV

I woke up to the darkness of the night, my mind still foggy from sleep. But I knew I had to get up. I had promised Gabe we would talk, and I couldn't avoid it any longer.

I tossed off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet dangling in the air. The clock on my nightstand read 2:47 AM.

With a sigh, I stood up and padded out of the bedroom, my bare feet making barely a sound on the cold floor.

The house was quiet, the only sound the creaking of the old wooden floorboards beneath my feet.

I made my way to the living room, where I knew Gabe would be waiting for me.

As I entered the room, I saw him sitting on the couch, his eyes fixed on me in the dim light.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice low and husky.

I nodded, feeling a surge of tiredness. "Hey."

Gabe patted the couch beside him, and I hesitated for a moment before sitting down.

We sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the ticking of the clock on the wall.

Finally, Gabe spoke up, his voice break