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Chapter Forty-One: Almost, Maybe, Not Quite

Author: Crankyswan
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-07-03 23:00:03

POV: Lucas Ford

I’ve always been good at reading people.

It’s part of the job, really—listening between the lines of what a client says, what a writer means. People think editing is all about words, but it’s more about tone. Rhythm. Silence.

Lately, the silence between Layla and me said more than her laughter ever could.

She laughed more now, sure—especially when Zoe was around. But it was like watching someone walk on a tightrope, every step deliberate. Balanced. Beautiful. A little terrifying.

Zoe bounced into the office around 8:57, full of life and barely disguised nervous energy. She always wore h

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