Jay stepped into his apartment, loosening the buttons of his shirt as the quietness of home wrapped around him. It had been a long day. The confrontation with Kim still echoed in his thoughts, each word digging deeper into his heart than he liked to admit. But as he opened the door wider and caught a whiff of something warm and savory, his steps slowed. His brows furrowed in curiosity.

"Riele?" he called gently, his voice unsure.

“In the kitchen,” her voice came back, soft, almost ...