Elena’s POV
The clinic was quieter than I expected. For such a renowned place, I thought it would buzz with the cold efficiency of a machine, but instead, it hummed with a kind of purposeful calm. Adrian’s hand guided me lightly at my elbow as we moved through the corridor, and I was grateful, not just for his help but for the steadying rhythm of his presence.
I could smell antiseptic, faint and clean, but also the sharper scent of paper and toner, charts, endless charts.
“Dr. Rahman will meet us in a few minutes,” Adrian said softly, as if lowering his voice could make the moment easier.
I nodded, fingers gripping the strap of my bag. “You’re too calm for this to be normal.”
His hand brushed over mine. “I’m calm for you.”
The words landed in the hollow of my chest, filling it with w
