Chapter 30

• "I, uh... came to return this book. It's yours," Caden stuttered, his eyes following Olivia's gaze as she briefly acknowledged the book before returning her focus to her sheet. He couldn't help but notice that her eyes appeared less swollen and red-rimmed compared to a few weeks ago.
• "Just put it on the table and leave," Olivia responded, her lips trembling slightly before she pressed them into a firm line. The room fell silent, interrupted only by the sound of the pencil scratching against the paper. Suddenly, Caden heard a groan escape from somewhere in the room. It took him a moment to realize that the sound had come from him.
• "You're not even going to look at me?" Caden's voice quivered, barely above a whisper. The ache in his chest intensified as he longed for even a fleeting glance from her.