As Selina moved down the corridor, her gaze caught on Zane. He was approaching, calm and unhurried.
She looked away quickly, pretending not to notice, and lifted her foot to pass him—until his voice, quiet and steady, stopped her.
"It seems you're already finished," he said, his eyes scanning her with an unreadable intensity, taking in the determination etched across her features.
Selina's eyes turned sharp and cold. "Are you disappointed I didn't give up?"
Zane halted in front of her. "Not at all. Honestly, I'm impressed by your… unwavering resolve."
Selina studied him closely, searching for even a trace of insincerity. After all, he had been the one pushing her to quit. But she found nothing in his unreadable gaze.
Silence stretched between them before Zane spoke again, his voice dropping to a quieter, more intimate register.
"Give me your hand." He demanded softly.
"What for?" she pressed, her body tensing as she refused to comply.
