The lunch ended quietly. Chairs moved softly. Plates left half-touched.
Mrs Carter stood first. Mr Carter followed. Ryan rose beside Aria. They walked toward the entrance together.
Kim stayed behind. Silent. Watching.
At the door, the air felt different. Less tense. But not light.
Mr Carter opened the door himself. "Drive safely," he said.
Ryan gave a small nod.
Mrs Carter's eyes lingered on Aria, her gaze softening as if recalling a shared secret, then shifted away, hinting at unspoken feelings, creating a subtle tension that draws the reader into their emotional connection.
Then— "Tak