Clara told me everything. The private talks, the way your eyes follow her across the room. Do you think I'm blind? Do you think I'm stupid?"
Martin raised a hand, his voice low and controlled.
"Let's not make a scene here, Katherine. Let's go to my office."
They made their way to Martin's office in tense silence.
The elevator ride up to the 45th floor felt suffocating. Katherine kept her posture perfect, chin high, but her hands were clenched at her sides. Martin stared straight ahead, jaw tight.
When they reached his office, Martin closed the door behind them with a soft click.
The room was quiet, the city skyline visible through the large windows.
Martin turned to face her.
His voice was calm but carried a heavy finality.
"Just because I am quiet doesn't mean I don't see. The reason I am quiet is for this wedding to just happen and be over with. I told you already — I can't love you. But you insisted on having the elders handle this issue, so be it."
