99

As I walked back out into the hallway, I saw Victor leaning against the wall, speaking into the phone. He looked tense, his other hand in his pocket. I waited for him to end the call, and when he shoved the phone into his pocket, he asked, “How are you holding up?”

I shrugged, not really knowing how to answer. “It’s a lot to take in. But I'll figure it out. I always do.”

He gave me a small, reassuring smile. “Yeah, you will.”

I sighed. “I have to leave now. Cecil has a date, and I wouldn’t want her to be alone when she comes back.”

“Sure,” he pointed to his ear, reminding me to call once I reach home.

I nodded and left, heading towards the exit. Zara was in the front seat of the car with the driver. She tried to come down to open the door for me, but I shook my head, signaling her to stay put. I got into the car and grabbed my phone from my bag, which was already in the back seat.

As we drove off, I texted Cecil to check on her date. ‘How’s it going with Mr. Perfect?’ I typed quickly