ALEXANDER’S POV
I studied her face carefully. “Is everything okay?”
She nodded a little too quickly. “Yeah… I just needed a hug.”
I opened my arms. “Come here.”
She stepped into my embrace, her body relaxing instantly against mine. We stood like that for a while…quiet, steady, breathing in sync. I didn’t push. Not yet.
Eventually, I guided her to the couch in the corner of my office and sat us both down. My hand brushed her cheek. “Did something happen?”
She shook her head. “Nooo.”
I tilted my head. “Nia?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t lie to me.”
She let out a soft sigh, her eyes darting away for a moment before meeting mine again. “I just… didn’t want you to worry.”
That alone made my jaw clench. Whatever it was, it had her bothered. And the fact that she thought she had to carry i
