Lunch passed without him too. Ava noticed it immediately, even though she told herself she wouldn't. She sat at the long dining table with a plate she barely touched, the quiet clink of cutlery and low murmurs of staff the only sounds filling the room. Sunlight streamed in through the tall windows, it was warm and golden, but it did nothing to ease the hollow feeling settling in her chest.
She ate slowly, her gaze lifting every time footsteps echoed near the entrance.
Each time, her heart gave a small, traitorous leap.
Each time, it wasn't him.
By the time she finally pushed her plate away, her appetite gone, a faint frown had settled permanently between her brows. She hated it. Hated how aware she was of his absence. Hated that she was even counting the hours.
