**Elena**
I turned around. But there was no one. My steps hastened, as I rushed toward the lift on the second floor.
It was the quickest way to get to Trisha’s room. My breath was shallow, and my heart beat with a strange urgency I couldn’t quite explain.
As the lift doors slid open with a mechanical hum, I stepped inside—only to stop mid-motion.
There was someone already there.
Blocking the way.
My heart jumped to my throat.
Sweat pricked the back of my neck. I froze, every nerve suddenly on alert.
Was it…?
"Helena," a familiar voice broke the tension.
I blinked, my chest still heaving slightly.
"Adolfo," I breathed out his name, forcing a smile as my hand subtly curled into a fist at my side. "Hey."
He smiled broadly, completely at ease. How could he be so calm? I’d swear so
