I stand on the balcony, letting out a soft breath.
Ah… the morning is beautiful—and freezing at the same time.
I stretch my arms above my head, joints cracking lightly. Today is the weekend. No office. No endless meetings. No suffocating schedules.
Finally… a day to rest.
My hair is a mess, strands falling over my forehead as I run a hand through it lazily. Below, in the garden, Shine is walking among the flowers. The morning sunlight brushes over him softly, making him look unreal—gentle, quiet, almost fragile.
He looks up.
Our eyes meet.
I lift my hand and wave with a bright smile. He smiles back and waves too, then gently motions for me to come down. For a second, my smile falters. My fingers rise unconsciously to my lips.
That punch.
The memory flashes sharp and unwelcome. I don't want to be beaten again by Zyke's hands—not today, not ever.
