Chapter eleven

Damien had left earlier than expected, something about pressing matters that demanded his attention. She didn’t know what it was, and frankly, she didn’t care. The tension between them had been too much, and the distance, though temporary, felt like a liberation.

Pulling her coat tighter around her, she rushed through the lobby, her heels clicking against the marble floor. As she pushed through the glass doors and into the cool night air, she spotted Bruce’s car parked at the curb. The sight of him leaning casually against the side, dressed in his usual modest way, brought a small smile to her lips. A simple blue cooperate shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbow and black slacks, a reminder of simpler times.

Bruce’s face lit up when he saw her, and he straightened, opening the passenger door for her. “Right on time,” he said with a smile, his voice warm and inviting.

Vivian slid into the seat, grateful for the warmth of the car’s interior. “Thanks, Bruce,” she said softly, retur