chapter 52

Elena sat on the edge of her bed, the note folded carefully in her hand—"Soon."

The memory of the shadow at her window lingered, the faint scent of his cologne still clinging to the air like a ghost.

He was here.

Close enough to watch. Close enough to warn. Close enough to remind her he hadn't forgotten.

But still, he said nothing.

No words. No promises. No answers.

Only silence.

Her heart ached with every beat, caught between relief and fear.

She touched her stomach lightly, feeling the fragile life inside her, the secret growing louder with each passing day.

Luca's silence was a language she was learning to read — one full of warnings and shadows, but no comfort.

Elena pulled out her notebook, pen hovering uncertainly over the page.

I know you're here. I know you're watching. But why won't you speak?

The words came slowly, like a breath she wasn't sure she could hold.

I'm scared. Of this baby. Of what it means. Of what you'll do.

She stopped, swallowing the lump in her throat.

And yet, I want to believe you'll come back. That you'll keep your promise — even if it's quiet, even if it's in the shadows.

Her hand shook as she wrote the last words.

But if you're gone for good… how do I survive this alone?

The rain tapped softly on the windowpane, a lullaby for the waiting.

Elena closed her notebook and held it close.

Tonight, Luca was near — but still a mystery.

And she was left with nothing but questions.