Ava saw him in the living room the moment she stepped off the last stair.
Damian stood near the tall windows, his phone no longer in his hand, his jacket draped over the back of a chair instead of worn. Morning light filtered in through the glass, casting long shadows across the floor and catching faintly in his dark hair. He looked… unguarded, in a way she had never quite seen him before. Not relaxed, but not in motion either.
She slowed without meaning to.
For a brief second, she considered turning back, retreating upstairs where her thoughts could no longer betray her. But her feet carried her forward before she could stop herself.
"Are you going to work today?" she asked.
Her voice sounded too loud in the quiet room.
Damian turned at once. His attention settled on her fully, the way it always did. He did not look surprised to see her, only thoughtful.
"No," he replied. "I have something important to take care of."
That was all.
Ava waited.
