BONUS CHAPTER

The metallic clank of weights and the rhythmic thud of a punching bag echoed through the dimly lit gym. Sean was in his element, yet his mind was far from clear. Sweat dripped down his forehead, tracing the sharp lines of his jaw as he pushed himself through a grueling workout.

He was shirtless, his muscles taut and rippling under the gym’s fluorescent lights as he lifted a heavy barbell. Each repetition felt like a punishment he willingly inflicted upon himself, a futile attempt to outpace the whirlwind of thoughts crashing in his head.

He replayed the scene at Chime’s for the hundredth time: Jide’s fists flying, Adeze’s frantic cries, Christine’s icy, unimpressed demeanor. The sting of Jide’s accusations, the embarrassment of being called out in front of everyone, and, most of all, Christine’s indifference gnawed at him.