I reached for her bag and trembled slightly as she handed it over. "Thank you," she replied, her tone calm and detached.

I could only nod, my throat tight with apprehension. Let's get this over with, I thought. We both know you didn't ask me to walk with you because you care about Alex's work.

When we got outside, she turned to me, her eyes glinting like steel. "Let's take a little stroll."

I inhaled deeply to build up the necessary courage for what was next. While I was prepared for her words – I knew that no matter how they were wrapped, they would sting. But I couldn’t escape...