After his confession, Raymond had carried his tray and left, knowing that staying would only make Bella uncomfortable.
Just as he left, Chloe returned and took the seat opposite Bella.
Bella pushed away her tray, her appetite gone completely. Her fork clinked against the plate, and Chloe glanced at her with concern.
"Not eating anymore?"
Bella shook her head, mustering a weak smile. "I think I've had enough."
She gathered her things, desperate to leave the cafeteria and breathe air that wasn't heavy with questions she didn't want to answer. Chloe offered to walk with her, but Bella waved her off, saying she needed to clear her head.
Chloe suspecting that perhaps Raymond had confessed to Bella simply nodded, understanding that she'd need a moment to herself.
The hallway outside the cafeteria was quieter, the muted hum of phones and printers filling the space. Bella kept her head down, focused on her footsteps,—until she rounded the corner and almost collided with someone.
