Later that evening, the house was alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter as everyone gathered in the dining room for dinner. Elena joined them, masking her turmoil with a practiced smile. She sat quietly, listening to the lively conversations around her, grateful for the distraction.
Adam, seated across from her, stole glances her way. She seemed composed, her usual guarded self. Yet, he couldn't shake the memory of their earlier argument or the vulnerability he'd glimpsed beneath her sharp words. He wanted to bridge the gap between them, but he wasn’t sure how—or if she’d even let him.
Steve, noticing the tension between the two, leaned over to Adam. “You okay? You’ve been quiet.”
“Yeah, just tired,” Adam replied, forcing a grin. “Long day.”
"Well, I have good news for you."Ste
