Malia stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of her office, staring out at the city below. The early evening sun cast long shadows over the buildings, painting the world in shades of gold and amber. She could see the hustle and bustle of the streets below, the pulse of the city that had been her domain for years. Yet, despite the energy around her, a heavy silence had settled within her.
The decision to reject Nixus' proposal had been swift, almost instinctual. She had to protect herself, her independence, her sense of autonomy. But now, in the quiet aftermath, the consequences of that decision weighed on her more than she anticipated. The way Lucas had looked at her during their last meeting—like she was making a mistake she couldn't take back—had stung.
Lucas had always been there, her constant. He was the one who understood her, who supported her without question. But now, even he seemed to doubt her.
