CHAPTER 187
KATYA POV
A few hours later…
The bathroom door clicked shut softly behind me. I washed my hands slowly, taking my time, letting the warmth of the water soak into my fingers.
The harsh ache in my back had dulled to something manageable. When I looked up, the mirror didn't frighten me this time.
I still looked fragile—bandages stark against my skin, shadows under my eyes—but I didn't look broken.
Just… tired. Healing. I turned off the tap and padded back into the bedroom, barefoot against the cool floor.
Night had settled over the estate quietly. The curtains were drawn, but the faint glow of garden lights filtered through the gaps, painting the room in soft gold and shadow.
The bed had been remade while I was gone. On the bedside table, a small bowl held wrapped chocolates and salted crackers.
Snacks. Nonna's idea. A strange warmth spread through my chest.
Today hadn't been terrible.
