Derek scratched his head, his features etched with frustration as he paced near the bed. “Claire? Why do you keep asking me that?!” His voice carried the sharp edge of exasperation, but he quickly caught himself, forcing his tone to soften.
“You’re the one with your ex in a hospital, Emily. How many times did you promise me you wouldn’t hang out with Matt? And now, here we are.”
Emily’s throat tightened as his words settled heavily in the air. Guilt and indignation wrestled within her, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
She opened her mouth, but no words came. Derek’s accusation had tilted the scales, leaving her scrambling to find balance.
“I-I was going for a walk when…” she started, the shaky defense barely audible.
Her explanation never found its footing. The door creaked
