Jack noticed the change in her, the slight pause before she pulled away, but he didn't say anything.
He just smiled, as if he didn't quite realize the impact he was having.
Mia took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
She had never expected this, never thought she could feel this way in such a simple moment.
It was confusing, and part of her felt embarrassed, unsure how to process the sudden shift.
"You've really grown up," Mia said softly, her voice not quite matching the confidence she once had.
She took a small step back, trying to create some distance between them, but the warmth in her chest lingered, stubborn and confusing.
Chapter 11
Charles arrived last, his presence immediately felt as he stepped into the room.
However, the emotions on his face were carefully concealed behind a mask of neutrality.
He was a master at hiding his true feelings, a skill he had perfected over the years.
Today, however, his mind was anything but at ease.
