Laura
The villa was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of late afternoon sunlight filtering through the sheer curtains. Jake was finally asleep on the chaise lounge next to me, his head tilted slightly to the side, arms crossed over his chest. For once, he wasn't hovering, wasn't watching me with those stormy eyes filled with worry and love. He looked… peaceful.
I sat cross-legged on the plush couch, my gaze fixed on him. My heart ached in the best way possible seeing him like this. He had been on edge since the hospital, barely letting me lift a finger, barely letting himself breathe. And now, finally, he was resting.
I reached over gently, brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. "You deserve this rest, my love," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Just then, my phone buzzed on the side table, jolting me from the serene moment. I grabbed it quickly before it could wake him. The screen lit up with Arlene displayed in bold letters.