CHAPTER 217

Elijah’s POV

I tried to stay focused on my conversation with Serena, but my attention kept drifting to the scene unfolding nearby. Sophia and Adrian were saying their goodbyes, and despite my best efforts, I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

Kayla’s voice carried over the noise of the terminal, her teasing tone clear even from a distance. I couldn’t quite make out her words, but it seemed like she was playfully probing Adrian about something, maybe insinuating that there’s something between him and Sophia.

There’s nothing between them, is there? I thought, disturbed. Is that story starting over again?!

No, no, no. It’s not possible. That was another voice in my head.

“What are you looking at?” Serena’s voice brought me back to the present. She touched my shoulder lightly, her fingers warm against my skin.

I glanced at her, trying to shake off the distraction. “Just... distracted. It’s been a long day. And we’ve all been through so much.”

She smiled gratefully, her eyes soft. “Yes, that’s