Chapter 57

Charisse was pushed into the elevator by the crowd behind her. It was a busy time of day, and the elevator was packed. She ended up standing next to Owen. He reached out to steady her a little. "Thanks," Charisse said softly. She didn't look up at him again, quietly shifting a bit to the side to make space. He looked so much thinner now, she thought. When their eyes met earlier, she barely recognized him. Owen used to have a slightly round face and soft, puppy-like eyes that made him seem harmless. He always smiled at her, too—his smile was bright and full of warmth, like nothing in the world could bring him down. But now, all that softness was gone. His cheeks were sunken, his jawline sharp. He wasn't smiling—his lips pressed tight, his entire vibe cold and distant. He didn't feel like the Owen she knew at all. Then a girl next to them spoke up: "Owen, I asked my aunt to send over some stir-fried beef for lunch. It's your favorite. The doctor said it's fine as long as you eat just a b