Ella’s POV
I woke up with a pounding in my head and stiffness all over my body. My clothes from yesterday clung uncomfortably to my skin. The fabric was wrinkled, and the belt of my robe had cut into my waist while I slept curled up on the sofa. My mouth was dry, and my back ached in several places.
I sat up slowly, blinking against the sunlight peeking through the curtains. The clock on the wall confirmed it was morning. My stomach sank low from morning hunger. I remembered how I had fought to keep my eyes open last night, waiting for Cyril to return. I had promised myself I would stay awake until he came home. But of course, he didn't come.
The last time I had looked at the clock, it was almost two in the morning. My head had grown heavy, and I had drifted off against my will. Now, th
