I woke up to the soft light of dawn filtering through my bedroom curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Normally, the sight would fill me with a sense of peace, but today, an unsettling knot of irritation sat heavy in my chest. Elena's words from last night echoed in my mind: "They were trying to set me up with Chloe's brother."
I threw back the covers and got out of bed, heading straight for the bathroom. As I washed my face, I tried to shake off the frustration. But the thought of someone else trying to claim Elena, even if it was in jest, gnawed at me.
Dressed in a crisp white blouse and tailored black trousers, I made my way to the kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee greeted me, a small comfort in an otherwise turbulent morning. I poured myself a cup and took a long sip, savoring the bitter warmth.