The house was super quiet when Alexander finally got home.
He stopped at the front door, keys still in hand, listening to the silence. Emma was probably in her room, maybe sleeping, studying, or messaging that guy.
Zayn Cole Virelli.
The thought squeezed tight in Alexander's chest.
He'd been away for two days. It was the first time in twenty-three years that he had left Emma on her own. No explanation, no proper goodbye, just that note left on the kitchen counter.
He'd done it on purpose.
He'd started pulling away because he knew, deep down, he knew, that one day, Emma would find out the truth about him. She'd learn who he really was and what he had done.
And when that happened, she'd hate him.
It was better to start the separation now. Easier to get used to the emptiness before it became permanent.
