Chapter 86: A Moment Serenity

Alexander returned home late in the evening, the weight of the day’s events pressing heavily on his shoulders. As he stepped into the quiet house, the familiar scent of lavender and vanilla, Emma’s favorite blend, greeted him, offering a small measure of comfort. He had been away longer than he had anticipated, and the thought of finally seeing Emma after such a tumultuous day brought a sense of relief. He found Emma in the bedroom, already dressed in her nightgown, her hair loosely tied back. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, lost in thought, her hands absentmindedly playing with the hem of her robe. As Alexander walked in, she looked up, her eyes softening as they met his. “You’re home,” she said with a gentle smile, her voice a soothing balm to his frayed nerves. “Finally,” Alexander replied, his tone light but his eyes betraying the exhaustion he felt. He crossed the room in a few strides and sat beside her, taking her hand in his. “I missed you.” Emma squeezed his hand,