Chapter eighty five

Valerie paced about in her room, her heels clicking sharply against the polished wooden floor. Each step felt heavier than the last as her frustration mounted. She glanced at the clock on the wall; it was almost midnight. 

"Damn it... He is late again," she muttered under her breath, her fingers tapping anxiously against her thigh.

*What could be taking him so long?* She ran a hand through her hair, feeling a mix of irritation and worry.

The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing across the walls, and her heart raced as she imagined all the scenarios that could be causing Joseph's delay. Just then, the door creaked open, and Joseph walked in, looking disheveled in his pajamas. His hair was tousled, and he wore a sheepish grin that made her heart flutter despite her annoyance. 

"Sorry I'm late," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Had to make sure Alex was asleep before I started coming. Didn't want him catching us in... well, you know."