Chapterr 74

(Mike’s POV).

“Hey, how’s your day?” Emily greeted me with her usual warmth the moment I stepped through the door.

Her voice was soft, comforting—like it always was. But today, it couldn’t chase away the exhaustion hanging over me.

I closed the door behind me and exhaled slowly, loosening my tie.

"It was fine," I replied, my voice flat. I didn’t want to worry her. Not yet.

Emily gave me a look—one that said she knew better. She always did. She could see right through me, the way I held tension in my shoulders or how my jaw clenched when something was on my mind. Without saying a word, she knew I wasn’t fine.

"You look tired," she said softly, walking up to me, her gaze full of concern.

Her fingers brushed against my arm, coaxing me gently toward the living room. "Come on, sit down for a minute."

I didn’t resist. She guided me to the sofa, and I sank into it with a heavy sigh. I leaned back, letting the cushions take the weight I had been carrying all day.

"I’ll make you some tea,