The door to Room 2201 clicked shut behind her, the sleek elegance of The Evercrest Grand's most exclusive suite stretching before her—a masterpiece of muted golds, polished marble, and sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.
Chloe exhaled, steadying herself.
Then—she turned sharply, gaze cutting toward Kian.
"You take the other room."
No discussion. No hesitation.
Kian raised a brow, barely tilting his head. "You really think I'd argue?"
Chloe didn't answer.
She just glanced toward Carter, silently reinforcing the separation—this wasn't a reunion. This wasn't rekindling anything. This was obligation. Convenience. Nothing more.
And Kian? He let the moment settle. Let her think she had won.
Until—she pulled out her phone, scrolling for dinner options.
"Takeout's fine." Her voice was clipped, detached, efficient.
Kian barely lifted a brow.
Then—without a beat, he offered,
"I'll cook."
Chloe blinked, hesitation flickering across her features for the briefest second.
She was tired.
Drained.
And before she could even process the weight of the words—she agreed.
Just like that.
Because she knew—she missed his cooking.
And whether she wanted to admit it or not—some things never truly faded.