The first thing I notice when Ava walks into the penthouse is how the entire atmosphere shifts. It’s not a bad shift, not tense or awkward—just… different.
It’s like a bubble forms around them, a space where only the two of them exist, and I’m just there, sitting outside of it.
I take a slow sip of my wine as I watch them.
They’re sitting on the couch, facing each other, lost in conversation. The way they talk, the way they click—it’s natural, easy, like muscle memory. Ava tilts her head back, laughing at something Jasper just said, and the sound is light, warm, comfortable.
I don’t even know what they’re laughing about.
I clear my throat. "What’s so funny?" I ask, trying to sound casual.
Ava turns to me instantly, a genuine smile on her face. "Oh, Jasper here,was just re
