Mara's POV

I didn’t see Elias at breakfast.

I didn’t see him when I came downstairs.

And when I arrived at the company, walked through the lobby, and passed his office… his lights were off. His blinds were drawn.

He wasn’t there.

I tried to swallow the ache rising in my throat as I stepped into the PR department. For hours, I pretended to focus on work, but every time I passed the glass wall that overlooked the hallway, I found myself hoping I would see him walk by.

He never did.

When I glanced out again and noticed Richard hurrying past, I stepped out quickly.

“Richard,” I called.

He...