Chapter 42

• ROBERT'S POV
• The morning light gently seeped through the curtains, painting Emma's room in golden hues. Lying side by side, we absorbed the shared warmth from the night we had spent together. Every detail of that moment was magical to me. Finally, Emma was there, asleep beside me, and the weight of unspoken words flowed in the comforting silence of the morning.
• In the distance, a distant sound broke the quietude. It was the insistent ring of my phone. I glanced at the peacefully sleeping Emma and moved carefully not to disturb her. I left the room, closed the door softly, and went to my own quarters where the phone persisted in its annoying demand.