Angela lingered over the remains of her dinner, her gaze drifting to the flickering candle on the table. The day had been unexpectedly light, filled with laughter and the salty taste of ocean waves. But now, back in the dimly lit room, a familiar tension settled between her and Edmund. Edmund, his eyes shadowed with a distant expression, seemed preoccupied, though he would occasionally glance at her with something she couldn't quite decipher.
Edmund cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Angela."
She looked up, meeting his gaze. There was an intensity there, but also a certain detachment, like he was holding something back.
"I have some work to tend to tonight. Just a few things that need my attention." He barely looked at her as he spoke, eyes trained on his plate. Angela raised her brow slightly, surprised by the abruptness in his tone.