Rose's POV

The sun, just rising, awoke me, its pale light seeping in under the curtains, casting a dim sheen on the room. I lay there for a moment, sensing the heavy calm of the day ahead. My heart pounded, my mind repeating the same unresolved questions.

Today, I had to face the past.

Gently, I pushed aside covers and let my legs dangle over the edge of the bed, taking care not to wake Victor. Before I stood, though, his sleep-laden voice broke the silence.

"Early?" He sounded ...