The city lights blurred past as I wandered the streets aimlessly. My phone buzzed incessantly in my pocket, but I ignored it. The weight of Evelyn's doubt pressed down on my chest like a stone.
"Ethan!"
I turned to see Chloe Reed stepping out of a sleek black sedan. Her elegant cheongsam caught the streetlight, and concern filled her eyes as she approached me.
"What are you doing walking around alone at this hour?" she asked, her voice gentle but firm.
I shrugged, not trusting myself to speak without revealing the raw pain in my chest.
"Come on," she said, linking her arm through mine. "You look like you need a good meal and someone to talk to."
She guided me to a quiet riverside restaurant with large windows overlooking the water. The soft lighting and gentle music created a peaceful atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the chaos in my head.
"Order whatever you want," Chloe said as we settled into a corner booth. "My treat."
