Chapter 79

Simon's POV I told myself it was for her safety. That was the only reason I didn't mention the director's invitation when we got home. Not because I was jealous. Not because I hated the way that doctor—Thomas—hovered around her like some smitten puppy, or because I couldn't stand the idea of Aisha walking those hospital halls without me. No, it was about safety. Politics. Strategy. But as soon as we stepped through the front door, and Aisha turned to me with that knowing look in her eyes, I felt the lie suffocate me. "You've been quiet since we left the hospital," she said softly, unwrapping her scarf and tossing it onto the hallway table. I shrugged, avoiding her gaze. "Just tired." "Right." She let the word hang in the air, like a blade waiting to drop. I turned away, stalking toward the kitchen. "I don't want you going back there." The silence behind me was immediate—and sharp. When I finally turned back around, Aisha stood rooted in place, her brows drawn together in a slow-buildin