The streets began to blur like shadows before Nora’s eyes as she stared out the window, dazed.

“Wait! Wait!” she shouted, as if fully coming to her senses. “We can’t be seen together—we’ll get into trouble!”

Edward burst out laughing.

“Seriously? Forget the rumors. I’m not going to deprive myself of your company because of office gossip.” He gave a sly smile.

“But…”

“Absolutely not!” he retorted. “We’re adults, and we don’t owe anyone explanations for our actions. Our private lives are no one’s business but our own.”

Nora didn’t respond.

About ten minutes later, they arrived at a fancy restaurant. Nora remained dazed and silent, and the waiter was...