The moment I stepped into the building, I felt it.
Not something loud. Not obvious.
Just… eyes.
The lobby was busy in that quiet corporate way. Phones ringing softly. Heels clicking against marble. Someone laughing near the coffee station. Normal. Until it wasn't.
One head turned.
Then another.
Whispers followed.
I didn't need to hear the words to know what they were about. I'd seen the blogs this morning. The photos. Zane. Me. Headlines that used words like engagement.
A group of employees near the security desk went silent as I passed. Someone murmured something under their breath. Another person nudged their coworker a little too obviously.
So it's true, then.
I kept my face neutral and walked like I belonged there. Chin up. Shoulders back. If they were going to stare, they could at least get a good look.
The manager's desk was straight ahead. I checked the nameplate like my grandfather had instructed.
"Good afternoon," I said.
