The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 123

The smart thermostat bed could automatically adjust its temperature based on body heat. A touchscreen on the nightstand controlled the lighting, curtains, and ventilation, and could even connect to the other rooms.

A panoramic floor-to-ceiling window offered a pristine view of the ice sheet. Equipped with an anti-fog and anti-frost feature, the glass remained perfectly clear despite the minus-forty-degree temperatures outside.

A welcoming arrangement of fruit and snacks sat on the desk.

Sloane picked up an apple bearing a small label that read 'Endurance 25.' It had likely been grown in the station's top-floor greenhouse. She took a bite.

It was incredibly sweet.

When the doorbell rang, Sloane was leaning against the window, reading a book while finishing her apple.

The snowfield outside glowed with a faint gold in the afternoon sun, the distant icebergs carved sharp against the horizon. The room was quiet, save for the soft, low hum of the radiator.

She walked over and pulled the door open.

Lilah stood in the hallway, holding a small tray with two steaming mugs. She wore a creamy fleece jacket, her hair pulled into a loose ponytail. Her cheeks were flushed from the freezing wind, but her smile was overwhelmingly sweet.

"Sloane," she started, looking a bit shy. "Sorry to bother you, I..."

She glanced down at the tray and looked back up, her eyes wide and cautious. "I made some hot cocoa, but I made too much... I wanted to bring you a cup. I don't know if you like sweet things?"

Sloane stared at her for a brief second before stepping aside. "Come in."

Lilah's eyes lit up as she stepped lightly into the room.

She placed the tray on the small round table, nudged one mug toward Sloane, and cupped the other in her hands, stepping up to the window to admire the view.

"Wow, your room has an amazing view," she said with a bright smile, turning around. "My window faces the warehouse. I can't see a thing."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify