The apartment was silent, the only sound the monotonous ticking of the wall clock. Deviana stood behind the door, her hands clutching the cold metal handle. Her heart pounded fast. She knew exactly who was outside—there was no mistaking that deep voice.

With uneven breaths, she turned the key. Slowly, the door creaked open, and the figure before her seized her gaze.

Adrian.

His face was tense, his eyes bloodshot as if holding back a storm. The moment their eyes met, time seemed to freeze.

“Adrian…” Deviana’s voice was faint, almost like an unwanted whisper.

He stared at her deeply, his steps moving forward without invitation. Pushing the door wider,...