Chapter 42: Chapter 42

Jessica's lips were formed into an O as she stared at Jason. She had been clinging to Gabriel before, who had subtly removed her hand from his, stepping back slightly as if trying to distance himself from whatever tension was brewing in the room.

It's a shame he didn't know that I caught his movement easily.

"Didn't expect to see you here, Mr. Cole," Jessica said, her voice a strange mix of nerves and forced cheer. Her eyes darted to the bag of pastries on the table and then back to Jason.

Jason didn't acknowledge her directly; instead, he turned to me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Who are they?" he asked, the question aimed only at me.

I cleared my throat, feeling the room grow smaller under everyone's gaze. "Um, this is Jessica, my… friend," I said, pausing as I forced the word out. "And Gabriel, my boyfriend."