Seraphina's Point Of View
Rose shook her head with frantic speed, her fingers twisting the edge of her skirt until the fabric groaned in protest. "I'm fine, Phina... really. Just stressed. And honestly? I've been battling this stupid low-grade fever lately, so coupled with the audit work and staying up late, it's really been taking its toll." She paused, drawing in a shaky breath before continuing. "But I'll be fine. Seriously. Once I get home tonight and have a proper rest, I'll be completely okay."
I leaned back in my chair, crossing my legs and tracking the way her eyes kept bouncing from the locked door to the corner of my desk, never quite settling anywhere. The air between us felt heavy, clogged with the kind of thick, awkward silence that only happens when two people who know everything about each other are suddenly tip-toeing around a massive, invisible wall. I could tell she was lying. It wasn't even a convincing lie.
