The days with Lila in the penthouse started to feel like walking on a very thin, very polite tightrope. She never overstepped, she never demanded anything and she was the picture of a grateful guest, offering to help with small things, complimenting the staff when they returned from their break, asking if anyone wanted tea or coffee. But there was something underneath it all that made the air feel heavier whenever she was in the room.
Damien noticed it too. He was civil, even polite at times, but his eyes followed her every move. He didn’t relax, not even once. I tried to keep things light. I wanted this week to work, I wanted Damien to get some kind of closure, even if it was small.
One afternoon, I was in the kitchen grabbing a snack when Lila walked in. She smiled warmly when she saw
