Sydney laughed and playfully taunted, "Oh wow, I never thought you of all people would realize we actually have something important to do after that grand parade of yours. I figured you'd be off playing happy fiancée for hours."
Jordan's expression darkened as he lowered his eyes, a clear sign her jab had hit a nerve.
He sat down, clenching his fist, and replied sharply, "If you're not going to start, then I'll just do it without you."
He exhaled slowly, as though holding back a torrent of frustration.
Sydney shot him a dubious look, bending to grab her papers off the table. But midway, she froze, her eyes narrowing as a realization dawned.
"What?" Jordan asked, suddenly alert, catching her frosty glare.
"Hello? Are you even listening to me?" he repeated, his tone edged with impatience.
Still silent, Sydney absentmindedly fiddled with her nails, wrestling with whether to voice her thoughts or let them drift away unspoken.
