Zaiden POV
“You’re at work,” I said quietly.
“Yeah,” she replied. “Lunch rush. I stepped outside when I saw your name.”
I could picture it perfectly — her standing in the alley behind the restaurant, apron still tied around her waist, hair pulled back, phone pressed to her ear like it mattered.
“How are you?” I asked.
There was a small pause.
“I’m okay,” she said, but her voice softened. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.”
She didn’t respond immediately.
“You don’t sound fine.”
I leaned back against the wall, closing my eyes. “Mission’s over.”
“Is everyone okay?”
“Yeah.”
Another pause.
“And you?” she asked gently.
I hesitated.
“I’m still here.”
She exhaled slowly, and I could hear the relief in it. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Talk like you’re replaceable.”
My jaw tightened slig
