26. To Just Be

As we reached the building where both the penthouse and Penelope's apartment were located, an uncomfortable silence hung between us. It felt strange, almost surreal, to navigate our new relationship dynamic while returning to our familiar environment.

Penelope, ever the one to break the tension with humor, suggested with a playful grin, "Maybe I should sleep at my place tonight."

"Well, if that's the case, I guess I'm sleeping at... your place," I said with a chuckle. The idea was ridiculous, yet it brought a sense of lightness to the moment.

We made our way to her apartment first to grab some of her things. As we walked through the familiar hallways, we couldn't help but tease each other about her having her own apartment in the same building all these years.

"So, you've had your own secret hideout here all along, huh?" I quipped, nudging her playfully.

She laughed, nudging back. "Yeah, my little refuge from Mr. Overbearing CEO."

"I can't believe I let you have your own place," I adm