Before Kendrick could even skim through the encrypted folders Sophia handed over earlier, his phone buzzed sharply on the table beside him. He sighed, already knowing what it was before even glancing.
Another alarm.
The screen lit up: "6:00 PM — Start preparing dinner"
He ran a hand through his hair, a tired smile touching his lips. It had become part of his routine. Ever since Zephany collapsed from overwork that day weeks ago, he promised himself he'd take better care of her—even if she didn't ask for it.
So he set alarms. Morning for breakfast. Noon for lunch delivery. Evening for dinner. It was his way of staying grounded and reminding himself she was here. With him. And not just pretending.
He pushed back from the desk, the files forgotten for now. The shadows of Barmon and The Archive could wait. Right now, there was dinner to make. He walked out of the high-tech room, stepped into his room, and stretched his arms before making his way to the kitchen.
