Elena's POV
I didn't say a word.
Just turned the phone over and slipped it into my pocket.
Not now.
Not yet.
Julian walked back in with two mugs, calm and soft and unaware.
"Chamomile," he said. "Didn't know what mood we were in."
I took the mug, fingers barely wrapping around it.
"Thank you," I said, managing a small smile.
He sat beside me, eyes gentle. "You sure you're okay?"
No.
But I nodded anyway.
"I will be."
We sipped in silence.
And the whole time, that message burned in my mind like a match waiting to drop.
Hello, little bird. Did you miss me?
He was back.
And I wasn't ready.
But I would be.
The next morning, I got up before Julian.
Again.
I didn't wait for breakfast. I didn't wait for conversation.
I dressed in silence, collected my things, and left with the sun barely brushing the city.
By the time I reached the office, everything was exactly as it should be.
Too exact.
Mariah greeted me with a warm smile. "Good morning, Miss Marlowe."
