Cora Thorne sat by the window, her small hands pressed against the glass as she watched the driveway with growing impatience. Her mother had promised to take her to school this morning, but the night had passed without Elara's return.
"Is Mommy coming?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Damien Thorne glanced up from his tablet. "She'll be here in the morning to take you to school."
"But she's not here yet," Cora pouted, her lower lip trembling slightly.
"It's still night, Coco. Time for bed." Damien's tone was gentle but firm as he lifted his daughter off the window seat. "Your mother has never broken a promise to you. She'll be here."
After tucking Cora in, Damien retreated to his study. Hours ticked by as he worked through a stack of contracts. He checked his watch—nearly midnight. Elara still hadn't returned.