Page 123 of My Only

Looked up.

And for the first time, my house, the one I designed, the one I built, didn’t feel like home.

I slid my key into the lock.

Stepped inside.

Darkness.

Expected.

I was home late as hell,

And I hadn’t even called.

Again.

I made a mental note… fix this, Hassani.

Make it up to Ayla.

Somehow.

But for now, I just needed our bed.

I was done.

I moved down the corridor.

Turned toward the kitchen for some water.

Flicked on the light and nearly jumped out of my skin.

“Oh, shit!”

Ayla was sitting at the table.

Silent.

Still.

Eyes locked on me.

My hand flew to my chest.

“Baby.” I chuckled, trying to shake it off. “Damn. I ain't even know you were in here.”

Nothing.

No reaction.

No smile back.

Nothing.

And slowly, the nervous laughter left my lips.

My chest tightened.

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