Chapter 42 A New Neighbor.

The morning air was crisp and refreshing as I prepared breakfast in our kitchen. The soft rays of the early sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room. Kai had already left for his morning jog, a routine he rarely missed. It was one of the many ways he maintained balance amidst the busy demands of running the school. As I set the table, my thoughts wandered to the meeting with Marcus. While we had stood firm in our decision, the encounter had left an undercurrent of unease. Still, I reminded myself that Kai and I had always faced challenges together, and this would be no different. Just as I was placing the last plate on the table, the door opened, and Kai walked in, his face flushed from the exertion of his run. He greeted me with a warm smile, the kind that always made my heart flutter. “Good morning,” he said, leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. “Good morning,” I replied, smiling back. “How was your run?” “It was good,” Kai replied, his tone light. “I