Chapter 198: Posture and positioning

As I approached Zaya, my steps slow and hesitant, I couldn't shake off the guilt gnawing at me. The air between us felt charged, and I knew I had to face her frustration head-on. Her green eyes, usually so warm, held a sharp edge, and her posture spoke volumes. 

"Are you angry?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Zaya uncrossed her arms and let out a sigh. "Elena, what do you think? You disappear for days without a word and then show up out of the blue. Of course, I'm angry. I'm worried!"

"I'm sorry, Zaya. Things got... complicated," I said, trying to placate her.

"Complicated? You mean Carmen, don't you?" she shot back, her tone accusatory. "Are you back with her?"

I nodded, bracing myself for her reaction. "Yes, we got back together."

Zaya's eyes widened in disbelief. "Elena, are you serious? After everything that happened? How can you just go back to her?"