Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
Nicole wearily pushes the door open, the faint creak echoing through the quiet hallway. Her heels tap against the wooden floorboards, a rhythmic tune of fatigue. The aroma of dinner lingers in the air, something comforting and homely that Jon had prepared for her again. She smiles softly to herself, feeling a warmth spread through her chest as she thinks of her thoughtful son. "Jon, honey?" she calls out, her voice a gentle caress against the stillness of the night. "You're still up?"
Her voice hangs in the air, unanswered, as she steps into the dimly lit living room. The flickering glow of the TV casts shadows across the room, dancing over the furniture and painting the walls with a soft blue hue. There, on the couch, lies Jon, his youthful form sprawled out, a blanket draped over his legs. His chest rises and falls in a steady rhythm, a testament to his deep slumber. The TV remote is clutched in his hand, the screen displaying the final credits of a late-night movie. The room feels eerily peaceful, yet there's a hint of sadness in the way his mouth is slightly downturned, even in sleep. Nicole's heart skips a beat as she takes in the sight of him, looking so vulnerable. She approaches the couch, her eyes scanning his features, noticing the way his lashes fan out against his cheeks. Carefully, she lifts the remote from his grasp and presses the power button, plunging the room into darkness. She pulls the blanket up to cover him completely, tucking it under his chin. "Sleep tight," she whispers, her voice a gentle lullaby, and kisses his forehead. As she turns to leave, she notices a textbook and notebook scattered on the coffee table, evidence of his late-night study session. With a motherly sigh, she picks them up, placing them neatly on the side table.
Her heels click against the stairs as she ascends, each step taking her closer to the sanctum of her room. Her thoughts drift to the long day she's had, the countless meetings and the endless pile of paperwork that still awaits her attention. But first, she needs to shed the weight of the day—a hot shower to wash away the grime and stress. She opens her bedroom door and pads over to the en suite bathroom, flipping on the lights and letting the illumination spill across the marble tiles. The bathroom is a haven of serenity, the scent of lavender and vanilla candles lingering from her last visit. She starts the water, the sound of it rushing into the tub a symphony of relaxation. Stripping off her clothes, she steps into the shower, letting the warm spray cascade over her, the heat seeping into her muscles and soothing her weary soul.