Chapter 82

Chloe and Janet stood side by side in the spacious kitchen, their nimble hands moving in perfect harmony as they chopped vegetables and cracked eggs. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, intermingling with the sizzling sound of bacon on the stove.
After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Chloe spoke up, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Have you seen Lucas lately?" she asked, her eyes darting to her friend's face.
Janet paused, her knife hovering over a plump tomato. "No, I haven't," she said finally, her tone guarded. "I've been avoiding him."