~LAYLA~
I quickly made my way to the bathroom to freshen up, needing a moment to collect myself.
My reflection stared back at me, and I splashed some water on my face, trying to cool the warmth that had crept into it ever since Axel said those words: back to where we started.
The memories of that night at the hotel, the awkward situation that led to our marriage —they all came flooding back to my mind. I took a deep breath, forced them down, and focused on bathing.
When I came out, I found Axel unpacking his suitcase.
"How long will we be staying here?" I asked, settling onto the edge of the couch.
"Just a few days," he replied, pulling out his toiletries. "Three or four at most, depending on how the meetings go."
"That's perfect," I said, maybe a bit too enthusiastically.
He gave me a curious look but didn't ask. "I'm going to take a quick shower."
As soon as he disappeared into the bathroom, I grabbed my phone and quickly texted Erica.
