Elena's POV
My boots clicked softly against the marble as I stepped onto the seventh floor, eyes sweeping the empty hallway one last time. No sign of them now. But I saw it, room key in hand, Ayla quiet, following that woman. Hand in hand.
And now they were up here.
My heart had not settled since. Still pounding unevenly, like it knew something I did not want to admit. The polished metal elevator walls had already thrown back a reflection of someone I barely recognized, tense jaw, eyes darker than usual, hoodie pulled low like it could hide how exposed I felt.
But my heart was loud. Too loud.
Room 1708.
There it was, waiting at the far end of the corridor like a dare. The hallway stretched longer with every step I took, air thickening with suspicion and something uglier, jealousy.
I told myself I was here to check on her. To make sure she was safe. That was what I whispered with every footstep. But that was not the truth, not entirely. The truth twisted in my gut.
