ly on the surface, waiting for the sound of Stephan's footsteps to break the silence. When the door creaked open, she didn't look u

like he had never left. He looked different tonightless the powerful, confi

she said, her voice cold, but her eyes

d, his voice softer than

ing. His gaze was intense, like he was trying to find somethi

chair, arms crossed, the same walls that ha

her. This case... it's more than just

rt racing for a reason she cou

the edge. Yes. I didn't ask for this war, but I'm caught in the middle of it. The

ready to show any vulnerability. You're playing a d

g hers. But I can't undo what's been done. I can't

licker of the man she once knew, and maybe even cared for. The one she had never qui

ke, I'm not sure I can help you,

He turned away, his shoulders heavy with the weight of their share

the depths of the damage between them. I'm not t

the vulnerability in his e

hrink around them. The past hung between them like a li

s before? she asked, her v

afraid you'd

ht of it felt like a betrayal. But in that silence,

ne sharper than she intended. I s

n't expect you to. But I'm asking for a chance

g for something she wasn't sure she could give. But the pull between the

quiet room. Stephan's expression shifted, his earlier vulnerability r

he said, turning

ed out before

is hand on t

he added, her voice stea

them. He didn't say anything, but the look he gave h

once more, Paisley couldn't help but wonder if, maybe, ju

felt quieter, more intimate. The tension between them had shifted, thickening the air. S

ngered in the air like a faint mel

ghts. He had said more than he ever had before. More than she had e

tion over and over again. Was

The screen lit up, showing Stepha

rying to keep her voic

h me, his voice was lo

. The words hung heavy betw

rything. But you

s voice sent a ch

eally go back into his world

emotions. There was still so much they had

is tone, something raw and d

er voice shaky despite her

ess. Please, Paisley.

aded for the door. The night was far from over, an