DECLAN
I stride down the hallway, putting distance between myself and Celeste. Each step feels like shaking off something clinging and unwanted.
She follows anyway. Of course she does.
"Declan, wait—"
I stop and turn to face her, my patience already threadbare. "What?"
She blinks at my tone, her carefully practiced expression faltering for just a second before she smooths it back into place.
"I just want to understand," she says, her voice dropping to something meant to sound gentle. Concerned. "You seem so distant lately. I thought finding Dr. W would bring you some relief, but you're still—"
"Still what?" I cut her off.
She hesitates, then steps closer. Too close. "Still unhappy. With me."
I let out a breath through my nose, my jaw tight.
"Let me make something very clear to yo
