Page 238 of Fractured Devotion
Mara stands there, wide-eyed, her expression lit with curiosity and approval as she takes in the space.
“Wow,” she says, stepping in without waiting for an invitation. Her gaze sweeps over the office, the walls, and the new furniture. “It looks even better than I imagined.”
I smile as she runs her fingers along the polished edge of the desk, her admiration unfeigned.
“Don’t get too comfortable,” I tease. “Your office isn’t quite this spacious.”
She laughs, the sound bright and easy. “Oh, I already claimed the sunniest corner,” she fires back, her eyes glimmering with playful challenge. “I have standards now.”
Alec chuckles from where he leans against the desk, watching us.
“We’re setting the opening date soon,” Mara adds, turning toward me. “Everyone’s asking when we officially throw open the doors.”
I nod, thoughtful. “We’ll announce it this week,” I say. “I want it to feel ready.”
She grins, satisfied, before her gaze shifts toward the door as another knock interrupts us.
A mailman stands in the hall, holding a small envelope and a clipboard.
“Delivery for Dr. Varon,” he says, glancing at me.
I step forward, accepting the envelope and signing quickly.
The envelope is plain, unmarked except for my name in a handwriting that I recognize in an instant.
Kade.
My chest tightens.
Mara watches, her brows lifted in curiosity, but says nothing.
I thank the mailman and close the door.
Mara eyes the letter, then me. “Everything alright?” she asks, softer now.
I nod, the envelope heavy in my hand. “Fine,” I reply, though my voice feels distant.
She studies me for a second longer, then smiles.
“Let me know if you need anything,” she says before heading toward her claimed corner.
I sit down slowly, still holding the letter and feeling its weight settle in my palm.
Alec watches me closely, his gaze steady but patient.
I don’t open it.
Not yet.
Some things need to wait for their moment.
I wait until Mara slips away, her laughter echoing faintly down the hall.
The envelope sits on the desk between my hands, plain and simple, but it hums with something familiar.
I glance at Alec. He doesn’t speak. He just holds my gaze, steady and open.
I let out a slow breath.
