Ella POV
I woke the next morning to find I was still alone in the apartment. Fear gripped my heart as I rushed out of the bedroom, hoping to find Alexander on the couch. But it was empty too.
A note lay on the coffee table, one that hadn’t been there the night before.
I picked it up, my hands trembling, and immediately recognized Alexander’s neat handwriting.
Relief washed over me as I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. I took a moment to steady myself before reading the note:
I got home late and didn’t want to disturb you. I’m going to get my workday started, but if you’re free for lunch, we can talk then.
—Alexander
I sank onto the couch, running a hand over my face in frustration, trying to shake off the fog of sleep that still clung to me.
This wa
