When I finally pushed open the study door again, the air inside felt heavier than before.
It was thick, almost suffocating. I could hear the faint hum of the air conditioner and the low ticking of the clock above Matteo. Everything else was still.
Sophie sat on the edge of the couch, her hands clasped tightly together, eyes unfocused on the patterned rug. Edward sat beside her, arms folded, his posture protective.
Matteo leaned against the desk, his expression unreadable, the very picture of patience that was about to run out.
I took a few cautious steps in, the sound of my heels soft against the marble floor. Everyone's gaze flickered toward me for a second...then back to silence.
I could feel my pulse beating in my ears. This conversation wasn't over, not yet.
"Sophie, can we talk?" I said softly, breaking the quiet.
Her eyes slowly lifted to me, calm but distant. She didn't answer right away.
