Hailey's pov
The day began quietly—almost deceptively so.
Roy left early for therapy, kissing my forehead longer than usual, his touch lingering as if some part of him sensed what was coming. Ryan followed soon after, already on a call, his promise of dinner tossed over his shoulder as he walked out the door.
I stood alone in the kitchen, coffee cooling in my hands, trying to convince myself that normal still existed.
That was why I went out.
Something small. Something ordinary.
A quick errand. Coffee from the little café down the street—the one that knew our orders, the one that made the world feel steady again.
The morning sun was warm on my face when I parked. The street was quiet, peaceful. I stepped toward the café door, breathing in the familiar scent of roasted beans and bak
