The early morning light came in through the windows of the bedroom, casting soft gold shadows across the bed where Elena lay. She woke slowly, her hand reaching toward the other side of the bed. It had become a habit.
Leonardo wasn't there though.
She sat up, yawning as she pushed the duvet aside. Her eyes found him by the wardrobe—half-dressed in a black shirt, buttoning it calmly, his back straight, movements sharp and focused.
“Good morning, babe,” she said softly, her voice still sleepy.
Leonardo turned, a faint smile on his lips. He walked over and pressed a kiss on her forehead.
“Good morning, baby. How are you?”
“I’m fine,” she replied, studying him.
But as she looked at him—something pulled at her chest. His smile didn’t reach his eyes. There was a tightness in his jaw, a te
