Chapter 79

• The faint sounds of footsteps clip-clopping across the marble floor signal her approach, and without lifting her gaze, she senses the intensity of her stare burning into the top of her head. She must be glaring her way, puzzled by the sight of her sitting so comfortably alone with him, eliciting a wry smirk at the surreal reversal of roles.
• Deliberately reaching out, she pulls the glass beside the water jug towards her, pausing as Leon abruptly stands up. Leaning over, he takes the pitcher into his own hands, pours the water for her, and slides the glass fully in her direction. Attentive to her needs, he makes a visible display of caring for her.
• As she catches sight of her bare legs in a short navy pencil skirt, she moves to the couch beside him and begins to sit. An internal knot tightens in her stomach, her fists clenching involuntarily at the sight of them seated side by side in this manner, evoking a flood of unpleasant memories.