Rest.
That was all Axel needed after flying across the continent and rushing straight to Willowcrest just to meet Evelyn and Oliver.
While Evelyn busied herself on the fourth floor, Axel finally allowed himself a moment of peace.
He stretched out his long body across the three-seater sofa, one arm draped over his face, and let out a quiet breath. Sleep. That was the plan.
But fate, apparently, had other plans. Not even five minutes later, just as his body began to relax, a shrill ringtone shattered the quiet.
Axel's eyes snapped open.
He didn't move, not yet. Maybe it will stop. Perhaps the caller would give up.
It stopped.
Then, seconds later, it started again. Louder, more insistent.
He clenched his teeth, giving up all hope of rest.
With a deep sigh, he sat up. He scanned the room until his gaze landed on Evelyn's bag, perched innocently on the single sofa opposite him.
The noise vibrated from inside it like a villain who ruins his rest.
