Marian's POV
The living room was quiet, the soft crackle of the fireplace the only sound breaking the silence. Aiden sat beside me, his attention divided between his phone and the firelight playing across the walls. Dinner had been uneventful, but there was something comforting about the stillness that followed.
I sank further into the plush couch, curling my legs beneath me as I fiddled with the hem of my sweater. For the first time in weeks, it felt like there was a moment of normalcy between us. Aiden's subtle glances, the faint smile tugging at his lips—these were the pieces of him I missed.
I cleared my throat, ready to speak, but before the words could form, the sharp clatter of heels against the hardwood floor pulled both of our attention to the doorway.
