So she walked.
Step by step.
The distance longer than she remembered.
Her body still sore.
Her chest still aching.
After what felt like forever, she managed to catch a bus going towards the city.
Barely.
And by the time she reached the restaurant—
She was already exhausted.
But she pushed the door open anyway.
The familiar noise of the kitchen hit her instantly.
Heat.
Voices.
Movement.
Routine.
For a moment, it grounded her.
Until—
“Iva?”
She looked up.
Sergio was already moving toward her, his expression surprised—almost alarmed.
“What are you doing here?”
Iva blinked at him, confused.
“I… came to work?”
Her voice came out small.
Uncertain.
Sergio stopped in front of her, clearly flustered now as he lowered his voice.
“But the Crown Prince said you wouldn’t be co
