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I blink once, expecting to find him still in bed, but there's no sign of him. Setting the tray down on the bedside table, I walk farther into the room and knock softly on the bathroom door before pushing it open.

“Roman?” Empty. I walk over to the walk-in closet. Nothing.

A sigh escapes me. He's gone. Of course he is.

For a brief moment, disappointment settles in my chest, but it doesn't sting the way it would have yesterday. At least now I understand. At least now I know his distance isn't born from indifference or regret. He's carrying wounds I can't even begin to imagine, and somewhere in his mind, he truly believes staying away is the only way to keep me safe.

I look down at the untouched breakfast and smile sadly to myself. "I guess it'll have to be just me again."

Before I can dwell on it any longer, my phone begins to ring. The screen lights up with Audrey's name.

A smile immediately returns to my face as I answer. "Hi Audrey."

"There you are," she says, sounding relieved. "I’ve called you several times already. I was beginning to think your terrifying husband confiscated your phone."

I laugh. "Sorry, I was in the kitchen."

"I'd have had to fly to Chicago and rescue you."

"You?" I tease. "You'd probably get lost at the airport."

She gasps dramatically. "I'll have you know I have an excellent sense of direction."

"You once got lost in our own garden."

Her laughter fills the line, and for a moment it feels like we're back home, hiding from our tutors and teasing each other over breakfast.

"How are you?" I ask, my voice softening.

"I'm okay."

It's too quick. I've heard it from her a hundred times whenever she's trying to protect me.

"Audrey."

"What?"

"How are you really?"

Silence lingers between us.

"You hesitated," I say.

She sighs. "I'm okay, Rory."

"Is Papa giving you trouble?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"You'd tell me if he was?"

"I would."

I close my eyes. She's lying. I can feel it. "I miss you," I admit quietly.