I slip away to the elevator, needing air, needing space, my heart still hammering from the confrontation. The ride down feels endless, and when the doors finally open, I practically flee to the small courtyard behind the building. It's tucked between Moonfang Construction and the neighboring office complex, a quiet spot with a few benches and some landscaping that most employees never visit.
My legs feel heavy, but I sink onto one of the metal benches anyway, pulling in shaky breaths that don't seem to ease the tightness in my chest. I raise a trembling hand to my cheek, and it comes away damp.
"Kaia?"
I look up to find Lewis approaching, the bouquet of wildflowers still in his hand. His kind face is creased with concern as he takes in my tear-stained cheeks.
"I'm sorry," I manage, my
