Inner Struggles

Chapter 72

Estefan studied Kaitlyn, her hesitation still in the air. He could feel the tightness in his chest as the silence stretched between them. Part of him wanted to press her further, to demand she tell him the truth about her interaction with Michael. But as he gazed at her, a softer side took over. The tension in the dining room was becoming unbearable, and he didn’t want to make things worse.

With a slight smile, he waved his hand, brushing off the question as if it were unimportant. “Forget it,” he said lightly, his tone changing. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Let’s just enjoy dinner.”

Kaitlyn blinked, surprised by his sudden shift in mood. She could sense a weight lifting off her shoulders, relief flooding her chest. She offered a tentative smile, thankful that he wasn’t pushing the issue. The tension in the air seemed to ease, even if only slightly.

“Yeah, you’re right,” she said, taking a small bite of her food. “No need to dwell on it.”

Estefan nodded, though his mind was far