Mauve stood by her window, staring down at the busy streets of Chicago. The lights below blinked, casting reflections that danced across her glass of wine. She took a slow sip, savoring the rich, warm taste. Behind her, Kenneth lay sprawled across the bed, his breathing deep and steady in sleep. She glanced back at him, a faint smirk tugging at her lips, before turning her gaze out the window once more.

The view outside was lively, foot traffic weaving through the sidewalks as people went about their evening. But Mauve’s thoughts weren’t on the crowd below; they were on a certain someone miles away. Emilia. The very name brought...