Elena's POV
I couldn't wait to see Callum at the office. It had been so long.
When I walked in, I spotted him sitting on the couch outside my office—calm, collected.
He always looked this peaceful. Effortlessly handsome.
He stood when he saw me. That smile—familiar, quiet—pulled at the corner of his mouth.
"Hey, Eli."
"Hey," I whispered.
We just looked at each other. No words. Just that space. The kind that used to feel like home.
Then I stepped in and hugged him. Not too long. Not too short. Just enough to remember.
"You look… good," he said.
"So do you," I murmured, pulling back a little. Just a little.
He nodded at the office. "Can we talk?"
I opened the door. "Always."
He walked in first. I shut the door behind us.
He didn't sit.
Neither did I.
His eyes scanned the room, like he needed a second to gather the words.
Then—
"I heard what happened."
I looked down, fingers curling slightly. "Of course you did."
"Elena…"
