He extended his hand toward her.
The gesture was simple… but to Liv, it felt like the world paused.
She did feel a little nauseous… but she clenched her stomach, holding it back with everything she had. Not tonight. Not when Jay was finally reaching out to her again.
Slowly, she nodded.
Jay waited patient, gentle, careful.
And when Liv finally took his hand, he wrapped his fingers around hers, warm and steady. His thumb brushed lightly over the back of her hand barely noticeable, but full of unspoken affection.
"Come," Jay said in a calm, low voice.
They walked together through the dark hallway.
Jay stayed half a step behind Liv, as if shielding her from falling. Liv could feel his gaze on her silent, worried, longing. A longing Jay himself refused to admit.
The night felt quieter than usual.
Their footsteps slow… but drawing them closer to each other.
