What Changed

Jared looked at her, slightly surprised. "What do you mean? I'm going to continue my work as an ADA," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact.

Jerica smiled knowingly. She did not doubt that. That was the path he forged for himself. He was not going to deviate easily.

 But she also suspected there was more to his dreams. The glint in his dark eyes told her he aimed higher, that he envisioned himself climbing the ranks, perhaps even reaching the capital city someday.

"And after that?" she pressed gently, her voice encouraging rather than probing.

Jared hesitated for a moment. "You think I have bigger plans, don't you?"

"I know you do," Jerica replied with a grin.

He chuckled, shaking his head, but the small, proud smile on his lips betrayed him.