Brandon's POV
The hum of the hallways trailed after me as I headed for the project room, each step heavy with restless thoughts. My pulse drummed hard in my chest.
I didn't know what I'd find—confrontation or silence—but instinct pushed me on. All I needed was to see Chloe.
Her face after seeing me with Casey clung to my memory—hurt, questioning eyes that cut deep. The thought she'd misunderstood twisted like a blade, bothering me more than I wanted to admit.
Even if she hated me, even if she wouldn't look my way, I just needed to see her—if only to prove I hadn't given up.
My breath caught as I reached the project room. My hand hesitated on the door handle, my heart bracing for the sight of her. The metal was cool beneath my palm, grounding me just before I pushed it open.
The door creaked, spilling the quiet interior into view.
But it wasn't her.
It was Ashley.
