The sound of the alarm wasn't even necessary.
Anastasia was already awake before it rang, her eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling.
The weekend had been a silent prison, each hour dragging like a chain. No words from Mason.
No movement in the house except the soft footsteps of the maid. She had never known silence could feel that loud.
She pushed the duvet aside and stood up.
"Thank God it's Monday." Anastasia gently muttered to herself.
Work felt like the only place she could breathe.
Without wasting time, she walked to the bathroom and began her routine. The warm water helped her relax a little, but her mind didn't stop racing.
'I need this day to go fast. I need noise. I need people. I need to feel normal again.' She thought.
In less than thirty minutes, she was dressed, gray pantsuit, light pink blouse, minimal makeup, and a clean ponytail.
