Chapter 49

Chloe stood by the door, adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder. Noah sat motionless, his face an unreadable mask of cool detachment as he stared at the breakfast table. "I'm leaving now," Chloe said, her voice steady and direct. "Make sure you lock the door behind me." Noah didn't look up, his silence stretching between them like a physical barrier. Chloe lingered for a second, her gaze falling on the overflowing fruit bowl on the counter. "Is it alright if I take some of...