The morning light spilled through the blinds, pale against the polished wood of her desk.
Eliana sat straight-backed, fingers moving absently over the stack of papers she wasn't really reading. The silence of the office was deceptive. Outside, the city carried on.
Inside, her chest was tight with all the words she hadn't said in three days.
A knock came, light but deliberate. She looked up, smiling instinctively as Luca entered. He never came without filling the room.
Today, though, his steps were measured, his face set in lines too sharp for his usual charm.
"Morning," she said, voice soft. She pushed the papers aside, as if that would ease the tension she already felt.
He didn't return the smile. He came closer, leaned against the edge of her desk, and folded his arms.
"How are you? You and Nicky."
The question landed like a stone. She held her breath a moment, then forced the corners of her lips up.
