Ella’s POV
The day began like it always did, but the rhythm in my chest felt heavier than usual. I couldn’t focus, I couldn’t stop thinking about what I had felt last night, the presence that had followed me home, the way my heart had pounded when I thought he might have been outside my door.
By the time I reached the company that morning, I was already exhausted.
IronGate Logistics was bright and bustling, with people moving around, carrying coffee cups and files tucked under their arms. I tried to match their rhythm, to look normal, to pretend my hands weren’t shaking when I reached for the elevator button.
Hans greeted me on the third floor, smiling like he always did. “You look pale. Didn’t sleep well?”
I forced a small smile. “I just couldn’t fall asleep. Nothing serious.”
He no
