At noon, I returned to Simon Howe's house.

At this hour, he should still be at the office having lunch.

Perfect timing for me to pack up and get ready to move out.

But I never expected what happened next.

As soon as I opened the door, Simon Howe, sitting on the living room sofa, whipped his head around to look at me.

Our eyes met, and I caught a flash of surprise in his.

Simon Howe hugged me tightly.

"Where were you last night?"

His voice was hoarse, like he had stayed up all night. Stubble shadowed his jaw.

"Why didn't you answer my calls? Do you know how...