With the faint sound of machinery as their only sound barrier, Paula cast a quick glance around the elevator. Len's gaze was fixed on her, and she could feel his presence nearby. But she refused to look at him, refused to give him any indication that she cared.
Paula stayed silent, her eyes fixed on the elevator doors. She didn't want to engage with him, didn't want to be drawn into whatever emotions he was trying to stir up. He had already caused enough trouble in her life.
After a few moments of awkward silence, Len cleared his throat. "I wanted to tell you something. Something important. I was diagnosed with a chronic illness… right before you left, actually."
Paula maintained a neutral expression even though her heart skipped a beat. She had suspected something back then, but Len had never mentioned it. He had been so preoccupied with Melissa, with his goals, with anything that was not her. Why should it matter now?
