As the elevator doors slid shut, Jared leaned heavily against the mirrored wall, letting out a sigh. The hum of the elevator, usually a comforting lull, seemed unnervingly loud in the silence. His mind wandered back to Jerica's face as he left—her eyes had been wide with shock, her expression tinged with disappointment. It was subtle, but unmistakable. Her lips had parted slightly, as if she had something to say but had swallowed it back down.
Did she think I'd bring her with me?
The thought gnawed at him, and he stared blankly at the elevator floor, his gaze unfocused. The way her face had fallen when he mentioned going alone… He hadn't expected it to hurt him too.
The elevator doors dinged open, snapping him from his thoughts. He squared his shoulders, shaking off the lingering discomfort. He didn't need that kind of distraction right now.
Not tonight.
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