en

an Vale went without he

stance meant perspective. He sent one message measured, reasonable.

nc

wi

n ag

By the end of the week, the silence had stopped feeling temporary. It followed him into meetings. Into sleeple

new innovation wing, donors and administrators eager to impress. Adrian sat through it w

into the main administrative build

when he

ale voice said, strained but stea

an sl

ke it was the only thing holding her upright. Her shoulders were tense, chin l

the clerk said. "If the balance isn't cle

. "Please. I just n

xhausted, refusing to break pulled

ful in a way th

ace. Her skin was warm-toned, her features delicate but defined, high cheekbones, a straight nose, lips pressed toge

nexpected tighten

rward. "What's

k and the girl

quickly, eyes flashing with so

replied calmly.

ged immediately. "Sir,

said firmly. "

as if pride itself were holding he

y," Adrian said.

arp and humorless. "Y

id. "And that you shouldn't lo

onflict flicker across her f

he added quietly. "No expe

arrowed. "N

d between them,

mmediately. "Not

d his throat. "Sh

t. When she opened them, something ha

she said

im immediately. Instead, she stared straight ahead, jaw tight,

he said finally

n." no

looked and something flickered i

ract

ftened only slightly by the absence of his usual detachment. From behind, as he walked ahead of her, she noticed the

exhaled

is is not the time to be lo

tal. A life that didn't pause for handsome st

y, something inside her stirred unw

ara

n't mean t

ier when you were the

the campus café when

paid my

ds snapped

rly dropped her d

't still thinking about the way his voice

," she corrected quickly

ow?" Tessa aske

ailored by God," Elara muttere

leaned in i

does h

itated, th

space when he walks. Broad shoulders. Sharp jaw. Dark hair, neat. His eyes..." She paused. "

ed. "That'

" Elara added absently

l stared

him," Tes

kly. "He just... looks like

Maya declared, standing up. "You need to celebr

ad. "I have to chec

"You are not the second parent.

w, they dra