As the first rays of morning peeked through the transparent curtains, Lily lay awake, gazing at the ceiling. The bedroom was filled with light from the gentle golden glow, but it didn't make her chest feel any lighter.
She rolled onto her side and looked at Ethan. His breathing was regular, his features relaxed in a manner she hardly noticed when he was awake, and he was still asleep. His countenance had lost its normal intensity and had taken on an almost serene quality.
Nearly.
His forehead was slightly wrinkled even while he slept, as though he was struggling with thoughts that were not voiced.
Silently, Lily exhaled.
Although she could sense the change between them, trust was not something that could be restored quickly. The area that had been occupied by barriers and unsaid grudges was gradually becoming softer.
She had acknowledged her continued affection for him.
