The morning sunlight spilled through the sheer curtains of Malik’s loft, soft and golden, illuminating the remnants of their night together. The silk scarf from her wrists lay draped over the back of a chair, and the scent of lavender oil still lingered faintly in the air, mingling with the richer aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Aaliyah stirred, her body sinking deeper into the plush bedding as a slow,