Chapter 42: That's How Opportunities Are*

Anna sat at her desk, her eyes fixed on the chalkboard as the murmur of the class buzzed around her.

Leo was a few seats away, but he hadn't even glanced in her direction since they entered the room.

That distance, beyond just the physical space, hurt more than she wanted to admit.

Leo, who had always been a close and protective presence, especially in the past, now seemed to treat her like she didn't exist.

Every time she looked up, hoping for some eye contact or a sign of acknowledgment, she was met with his indifferent profile.

'Why is he avoiding me?' Anna thought, gripping her pencil tightly between her fingers.

She had noticed it for days, and although she had tried to get closer, Leo always found an excuse to pull away.

She didn't understand why. There was something strange about his behavior, as if he was angry about something, but she couldn't figure out what.