Elena’s pulse quickened as Adrian’s gaze pinned her to the spot. The intensity in his eyes made it impossible to breathe, as though he could see straight through her and into the truth she did not dare to admit. She opened her mouth to explain, but her voice caught in her throat. The air between them felt charged, heavy with unspoken accusations and questions she was not brave enough to ask.
“I was just passing by,” she finally managed, though even to her own ears the excuse sounded weak. Her eyes darted to the floor, unable to hold his burning stare for long.
Adrian did not move. His hand tightened slightly on the edge of the doorframe, the only sign of tension in his otherwise calm exterior. “Do not lie to me, Elena,” he said quietly, his voice dangerously soft. “You heard more than yo
