ROSALINE

Dragging myself into the restaurant, I could feel the fatigue wrapping around me like a fog and the exhaustion weighed on my bones.

Ava and Harry, deep in conversation, hadn't noticed me yet. Their laughter filled the space, a contrast to the stress I felt. But as soon as I approached, their attention shifted, welcoming smiles spreading across their faces.

"I'm so sorry, guys," I began, dropping into the chair with a huff. "Work's been a nightmare. I can't seem to catch a break."

Ava waved off my apology with a kind smile. "It's totally fine, Rosaline. We understand, don't we, Harry?"

It was sweet how they seemed to...