Samuel met her gaze, a sharp pang of regret hitting him. "I know," he replied softly, almost to himself. "But I can handle it."
She nodded slowly, worry etched on her face, but she didn't push him. They finished breakfast in silence, a heavy tension lingering in the air.
When he stood to leave, he felt her eyes on him, worry shadowing her expression. He forced a faint smile, hoping it would reassure her, but as he stepped out the door, he couldn't shake the feeling that each moment of silence was pushing her further away.
Zinnia watched him from the doorway, her heart tightening as his figure grew smaller down the drive. She gripped the edge of the table, trying to understand the distance growing between them.
