Unshaken Bonds

The drive to Cedric's home was quiet, yet thick with unspoken thoughts. Lydia sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed over her chest, her gaze fixed on the blurred city lights outside the window. The evening was settling in, casting a soft glow over the streets, but she barely noticed. Her mind was elsewhere—still at the photoshoot studio, still seeing Ashton clinging to Delphinia.

Cedric, who had been driving in silence, stole a glance at Lydia. He could see the tension in her shoulders, the slight crease in her forehead. He knew that expression all too well. It was the look of someone who felt like they were losing something they desperately wanted to hold onto.

As they pulled into his driveway, Cedric shut off the engine and turned to Lydia.

"You're thinking about Ashton," he stated plainly.