Running

Izzy

I walk into the spa, my eyes immediately finding Zade sitting in the office, looking as serious as ever. I smile as I approach, stepping inside the room. His gaze flickers to my face briefly before lowering, avoiding eye contact like usual.

"We're going to go through things today. See how you manage without me stepping in," he explains, his voice flat. I nod and sit down beside him, ready to prove myself. But as I do, he slides his chair a little further away, the space between us thick with unspoken tension.

I pull up the system on the laptop and begin working, his eyes fixed on me, watching every move. The silence between us is heavy. I want to fill it, but I’ve learned by now that Zade doesn’t do small talk—at least not with me.

"I'm confused about this part," I say softly, pointing to the screen, hoping to break the silence.

"What's confusing you?" he asks, his gaze finally meeting mine.

"Well, I can't remember if I put the number in this box or another one," I say, pretendin