Liam hadn’t been able to sleep. The clock was nearing six in the morning, and the darkness in the room felt heavier than usual. Olivia slept curled up in the bed, her face peaceful, her breathing soft and steady. But her calm only intensified the chaos inside him.

The laptop sat open on the desk. Its screen cast a cold glow across the silent room as he pretended to work, reviewing reports he could barely see. His mind kept spinning in circles, unable to stop. Her words, her tears, the touch, th