The Smile That Didn’t Reach His Eyes

Morning came quietly.

A faint golden hue stretched across the bedroom walls as the sun peeked through the thin curtains. The soft chirping of birds filtered in from outside, accompanied by the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was a perfect morning. Gentle. Warm. Safe.

But Nathan had been awake for hours.

He lay on his side, unmoving, watching her.

Aurora, still asleep beside him, her breath slow and steady, looked like something carved from a dream he once believed in. Her face was soft, touched by the morning glow, a slight crease between her brows as if she was chasing something in her dreams.

He used to adore that little furrow.

Back when he thought her love was real.

Back when he still had a name… and a future.

Now he was nothing but a ghost in another man's skin.

And she was married to him.