"You'll manage well without me."
Vee’s calming voice broke the silence, but the feelings felt like a betrayal. I confronted her, worry swirling in my chest.
"What do you mean?" I asked, my tone sharper than I intended. "You’re leaving ?"
She was leaning against the desk's edge, her arms crossed. The faint glow of the lamp situated behind her created a shadow, hiding her face.
"I've been recommended to take a break," she said softly, her gaze steady.
I became motionless. "Did Alexander ask you to go?"
Vee offered a slight nod, her lips formed into a firm line.
“Why is that?” I insisted, advancing nearer. "What have you done?"
Her sudden laughter surprised me. “Do you believe I did anything to warrant this?”
"Weren't you?" The words came out before I could prevent them.
H
