LORETTA

I came downstairs as early as I could.

The penthouse was silent, even the air felt heavier than usual. Outside, the dark sky was slowly giving way to the rising sun.

A spark of hope ignited inside me.

It was a new day—a new day to make things better than yesterday.

I had decided to give Elion the space he needed. He was angry, and talking to him immediately would only make things worse.

Inside, the lights were dimmed low. I walked carefully down the staircase in my work heels. This was usually the exact time Elion left for the company, and I had made sure to wake up...