That single sentence had been enough. She moved on. Or at least… she told herself she did.
Ironically, it was only after that moment that Jack began to notice her differently. Slowly, quietly, he started to like her.
But by then... It was too late. Chloe had already closed that chapter. And worse, she was far too dense to notice the change in him.
So now, they stood at an awkward distance, constantly clashing, constantly avoiding... Yet never truly separating.
Silas, who had long been aware of this, simply watched without interfering. 'Some things… are better left to unfold on their own.'
.........
Another month passed.
Time moved quickly, almost too quickly.
During this period, Ivy was anything but idle. The faint scent of dust, steel, and constant activity filled the ever-growing base as she personally led rescue missions, bringing in more survivors day after day.
