The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped out into the dimly lit hallway. My mind was a mess, tangled in the weight of everything that had happened tonight. But before I could reach my door, I saw her.
Veronica.
She stood there, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. But I could already tell—she was pissed.
"Why didn't you pick up my calls?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, feigning innocence.
I let out a sigh, rubbing a hand down my face. "I was busy, okay? Now move out of the way."
Before she could respond, the sound of heels clicking against the floor caught both our attention.
Ava.
She stepped out of the elevator, her gaze immediately landing on us. And then she laughed—a dry, mocking sound that sent a chill down my spine.
Without a word, she walked past us, heading straight for her door. My throat went dry as I watched her punch in the code, not sparing either of us a single glance before disappearing inside.
I clenched my jaw, my fists tightening at my sides. Damn it.
A sigh slipped out of me before I turned back to Veronica.
"Why are you here?" I asked, my voice coming out sharper than intended.
She pouted, stepping closer. "I missed you."
"No," I muttered, shaking my head. "I'm talking about Japan. Why are you here?"
Veronica giggled, her fingers trailing up my arm. "Are you not happy to see me, my love? Ahh, I missed you so much."
She leaned in, her lips dangerously close to mine, but I gently pushed her away.
"Veronica, stop," I said, my patience running thin.
Her expression flickered with something—annoyance, disappointment—but she quickly masked it with a smile.
But I barely noticed. My mind was still stuck on the one person I actually wanted to talk to—the one who just walked into her apartment without a word.