#Chapter 163: Gossiping and Secrets

Ella POV I woke the next morning to find I was still alone in the apartment. Fear gripped my heart as I rushed out of the bedroom, hoping to find Alexander on the couch. But it was empty too. A note lay on the coffee table, one that hadn’t been there the night before. I picked it up, my hands trembling, and immediately recognized Alexander’s neat handwriting. Relief washed over me as I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. I took a moment to steady myself before reading the note: I got home late and didn’t want to disturb you. I’m going to get my workday started, but if you’re free for lunch, we can talk then. —Alexander I sank onto the couch, running a hand over my face in frustration, trying to shake off the fog of sleep that still clung to me. This was too much. With everything happening—the danger surrounding us, the secrets, the threats—it was unbearable not knowing where Alexander was or what he was doing. He could be h