Page 194 of Legacy

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Less formal.

Softer.

She’ll probably prefer to curl up here—lounging, comfortable, still wrapped in sleep—rather than sitting stiff at a table.

I lay everything out:

Two plates.

A little spread of options.

Her favorite oat milk by the coffee.

Everything easy.

Everything for her.

I straighten up, taking a breath.

And then I glance toward the bedroom door.

I hesitate and I fucking hate it. I want to wake her. I want to see her blink awake, messy hair and soft skin. I want to kiss her good morning, tell her there’s food waiting for her.

But Nico’s words fuck with my head.

I take a breath.

I also need her to be comfortable. So I let her sleep. I cross the room again, sliding open the door to the balcony and breathe.

Chapter 34

Adriana

The smell of coffee wakes me first.

The bed is empty.

But I feel him.

For the first time in years,I feel him.

I made the decision to start over.

To make this work.

It’s time to get out of my own way.

And Iwantto try.

But I have questions, the same ones I’ve asked and he’s answered, but because of these walls I’ve built—they’ve made me spiral.

Everything inside me whispers caution.

But my heart screams, that this time I might be safe.

I need to be Scarlet.

Scarlet is who he left. Scarlet is who he hurt.

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