Laura knew she should not have looked.
She really, really should not have looked.
But the moment the black company car pulled into the lot, her eyes moved on their own.
Like they always did.
Like they were trained to find him in any crowd.
Nathaniel.
Tall. Straight posture. Calm. Untouchable.
Perfect.
He stepped out first, adjusting his cuffs like always.
And then Clara stepped out beside him.
Too close.
Always too close.
Laura's jaw tightened.
Before Laura could even process it, Nathaniel reached out, caught Clara gently by the wrist, and leaned down.
Then he kissed her.
Not a quick, awkward peck.
Not something accidental or stiff.
It was slow and familiar, like something he had done a hundred times before. Natural. Comfortable. Intimate.
Like Clara belonged there.
Like that space beside him had always been hers.
Laura's stomach twisted violently.
Her grip tightened around her car keys until the metal edges bit into her palm.
