The car door clicked shut, and for a moment, the only sound was Serena’s shaky breathing and the sound of the engine.

Roman parked a short distance from the apartment, glancing at her with a calm intensity.

“Do you want to go inside?” he asked softly.

Serena nodded, her hands still trembling as she unbuckled her seatbelt. Every step toward the door felt surreal.

As Roman unlocked the door and stepped inside, Serena paused, letting herself take in the familiarity of the apartment. It was quiet, dimly lit, and yet it felt like home. Her own home. Their home — if only for this moment.

She sank into the couch,...