55. Hollow Heart

|| Lilac’s POV || As Alaric’s car disappeared down the road, I felt a hollow ache settle deep in my chest. It was as if a part of me had been ripped away, leaving behind an emptiness that I couldn’t shake. The sound of the engine faded, replaced by the distant hum of the city, but the silence in my heart was deafening. I stood there for a moment, my arms wrapped around myself, trying to hold onto the warmth of his presence that still lingered in the air. But it was no use. The void was there, gnawing at me, a constant reminder of what I couldn’t have. I took a deep breath, the crisp morning air filling my lungs, and forced myself to turn away. The café was just a few steps ahead, its familiar facade a small comfort in the storm of emotions swirling inside me. The bell above the door jingled softly as I stepped inside, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wrapping around me like a warm blanket. The café was cozy, with its wooden floors and mismatched furniture giving it a