Chapter 52

Ethan I turned in bed, holding my throbbing head. It took a few seconds to clear the fog and remember that I was back in my apartment, sprawled out on my bed, the memory of the last drink a blur. I dragged myself up, rubbing my temples, and made my way to the bathroom. The hot shower helped ease the headache, but it didn’t take away the feeling that I’d overstepped last night. After dressing, I headed to the kitchen for breakfast. My apartment wasn’t much — a one-bedroom with minimalistic decor, just the essentials. I’d never needed anything extravagant. I valued my space, so my cook and cleaner came and went, respecting the boundaries I’d set. I didn’t mind living alone. There was a certain peace that came with it. I found Amelia, the cook, setting the table. She was in her fifties, with a no-nonsense attitude that somehow always made me feel like a kid in trouble. “Good morning, Mr. Ethan,” she greeted, eyeing me knowingly as I settled into my seat. “Morning, Amelia,” I muttered, eas