Chapter 122.

I held my breath, waiting to see the expression on Eddie's face. Would it be anger? Hurt? Disdain?

He eventually came out of his office, but his face was like an unreadable mask. His jaw was clenched tight, his eyes stormy and devoid of the vulnerability I'd seen just moments before. He looked like a man who had built a fortress around his emotions, shutting himself off completely.

For a moment, we stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. Neither of us dared to speak, the air thick with unspoken accusations and hurt feelings.

"So," he finally said, his voice flat and devoid of emotion. "A date, huh?"

It wasn't a question, but a statement, a confirmation of what he'd overheard. The harshness in his voice sent a fresh wave of tears pricking at my eyes.

"It's not what it seems," I stammered, my voice barely a croak. "It was just… an afternoon outing, nothing more."

He gave a short, humorless laugh. "Of course," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Just two friends enjoying