Waking up before the sun had fully risen, I lay in bed and listened to the rhythmic sound of Elena's breathing. I turned to look at her, her face peaceful and serene in sleep, and felt an overwhelming rush of emotions. God, I had missed her so much. These past months without her had been a living nightmare.
Every day was a struggle, every night an exercise in loneliness. I had tried to distract myself with work, with meaningless social events, but nothing filled the void she left behind.
I remembered the countless nights I spent staring at the ceiling, wishing she was beside me, her warmth, her laughter, her everything. I thought about the things I had done to protect us, to protect her. The contract I had signed with Sydney's parents was supposed to ensure our safety, but it had only brought more complications and heartache.
