Avery's POV
The room was quiet when I woke up.
Too quiet.
For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, letting the soft hum of the air conditioner fill the silence. The bed beside me was empty—cold, like it had been for a while.
I sat up slowly, stretching, a small smile tugging at my lips despite it all. "He probably left early again…" I murmured to myself.
It didn't bother me. Not really. Axel was… Axel. Busy, distant, always somewhere else. But he always came back. And that was enough for me.
I slipped out of bed and wandered toward the living area, barefoot, humming softly. That's when I heard his voice.
Low. Quiet.
"…How is she?"
I paused.
I hadn't meant to listen, but the words came so clearly through the slightly open door.
A short silence followed. Then—
"I'll be there shortly."
Something about the way he said it… calm, but urgent… made my chest tighten for just a second.
But I shook it off almost immediately.
Work, probably.
I smiled faintly to myself and turned away before he could see me. I didn't need explanations. I trusted him.
By the time he came out, he looked composed as always—perfect, untouchable.
"I have to step out," he said simply.
I nodded, cheerful. "Okay."
He hesitated for a second, like he wanted to say more… but then he didn't. He just left.
And just like that, the suite was quiet again.
By afternoon, I was bored.
There was only so much silence a person could enjoy before it started to feel heavy. So I grabbed my bag, slipped into something comfortable, and decided to go out.
The city welcomed me with warmth.
Sunlight spilled across the streets, people moved about their day, laughter echoed from cafés. It felt alive. And I liked that. I needed that.
I walked slowly, taking my time, stopping at small shops, touching fabrics, smiling at random things that caught my attention.
For a while, I forgot everything.
The quiet.
The distance.
The strange tone in Axel's voice that morning.
It didn't matter.
I was happy.
I turned into a smaller street, then into an even quieter alley—a shortcut I didn't think twice about.
And that's when everything changed.
A hand grabbed me.
Fast. Rough.
Another clamped over my mouth before I could even react. My bag slipped from my shoulder, crashing to the ground, everything spilling out.
"Don't scream," a voice whispered harshly.
My heart jumped—but only for a moment.
I didn't panic.
I couldn't.
I struggled, yes—kicked, twisted—but my mind stayed clear. "Please… I just want to go home," I said softly, my voice muffled.
They laughed.
A cold, ugly sound.
Fear brushed against me, but it didn't stay. Somehow… I felt like things would be okay.
And then—
"Let her go!"
The voice was sharp. Strong.
Everything happened fast after that.
A figure rushed forward, pulling one of the men off me with force. Another stumbled back as a fist connected with him.
I blinked, breath catching—
"Austin…"
Relief washed over me instantly.
He moved like he had done this before—calm, controlled, dangerous when he needed to be. Within seconds, the attackers backed off, retreating into the shadows like cowards.
"It's okay," Austin said, his voice softer now as he turned to me. "You're safe."
I nodded, giving him a small smile. "I'm okay."
And I was.
My heart was racing, yes. My hands trembled slightly. But I wasn't scared. Not really.
Austin looked like he didn't believe me.
He gently lifted me, despite my small protest. "Let's get you out of here."
"I can walk—"
"I know," he said. "Just… let me."
I didn't argue after that.
The cab ride was quiet.
I leaned back slightly, watching the city pass by, humming under my breath again like nothing had happened.
Austin kept glancing at me.
"You're really okay?" he asked finally.
I smiled, turning to him. "Yeah. I am."
He studied me for a moment, then sighed softly. "You're… something else."
I laughed a little. "Is that a bad thing?"
"No," he said quietly. "Not at all."
I looked out the window again, my thoughts drifting.
Back to Axel.
I wonder where he went…
The thought didn't hurt. It didn't make me overthink.
I just… wondered.
Because no matter where he was, no matter what he was doing…
I still loved him.
And somehow, in my own quiet, simple way—
That was enough.