Chapter 162: The Morning After    

[EVE]

I was a wreck the entire night, unable to find any peace after what had happened.

Sleep came in fleeting moments, too shallow to be restful, leaving me tangled in a haze of exhaustion and confusion.

Right now, the last thing I wanted was to face Cole. My bedroom felt like the only safe haven I had, though deep down, I knew even that security was an illusion—he could breach it effortlessly if he wanted to.

I tried to sleep again, forcing my body to relax, but my mind betrayed me, replaying every moment, every word, every kiss.

When morning finally arrived, the light filtering through the curtains felt like a cruel joke.

Huh?

How long had I been asleep? Or had I even slept at all?