The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第12章 The empty Morning

      Sunlight streamed through the curtains, warm streaks cutting across the wide expanse of the penthouse bedroom. Eden stirred beneath the sheets, stretching her limbs with a contented sigh. The events of the night before replayed in flashes—the city lights, Kenji's touch, the way he whispered her name like a secret only he was meant to hold.

But as her hand reached for the space beside her, the sheets were cool. Empty.

She sat up, blinking the sleep from her eyes. "Kenji?" she called softly, her voice carrying through the vast room. Silence answered her.

Pulling on the silk robe draped over a chair, she tied the sash loosely and padded barefoot across the polished floors. "Kenji?" she called again, her voice echoing faintly as she moved down the hallway. Each corner revealed only stillness.

When she entered the kitchen, her steps slowed. A woman stood at the marble island, arranging a tray of fruit and pastries with practiced ease. Her neat uniform bore a polished name tag: Estiletta.

The woman looked up and offered a polite, professional smile. "Good morning, Ms. Eden. I'm Estiletta, part of the residence service team." She gestured gracefully toward the counter. "Mr. Kenji left this for you."

Eden's gaze fell to a folded note resting beside a bouquet of fresh flowers. She picked it up, recognizing his sharp, deliberate handwriting immediately.

Had to step into the office for an early meeting. I'll see you later—enjoy the building's services, everything's taken care of. XO, Kenji.

Eden smiled at the note, pressing it briefly to her chest. The warmth of last night returned like a quiet hum beneath her skin. Still, she frowned faintly. Later? She didn't remember making any plans with him, but she brushed the thought away. Kenji's world was busy, always shifting—surely he'd explain.

She reached for her phone, dialing Claire. When her friend picked up, Eden didn't waste time. "Hey, change of plans. Bring my suitcase here, to Kenji's. We'll just order service and hang out here instead."

Claire's cheerful voice chimed through the line. "On my way. Brunch with a view, huh? You're spoiled already."

Eden laughed softly, glancing out the window at the glittering skyline. Spoiled, yes—but unsettled, too. She folded the note again and set it down, her smile lingering even as questions she couldn't quite name began to take root in the back of her mind.