102

As the weeks passed, the unspoken shadows persisted, casting a somber hue over our days. Lin's anxiety remained palpable, his smile often fleeting. I spent my days by his side, finding comfort in our moments together, even if the depth of his pain remained hidden from me.

Each time his fingers brushed mine, I could sense the weight he carried, something he was trying to sort through.

One night, I woke to find our bed empty, the moonlight casting a soft glow over the room. A knot of worry tightened in my chest as I realized Lin was nowhere to be found. Clutching the fabric of my nightgown, I ventured out of our chambers, my steps quiet as I navigated the familiar corridors.

My heart guided me to his study, a place that I had realized was pretty much a sanctuary for him. I approached the door, my hand poised to push it open, but before I could take that step, the door swung open, revealing Lin standing before me, his expression a mix of surprise and concern.

"Meghan," he said, his voic