#Chapter 26: Sudden Challenge

Carol’s POV Returning to work after the whirlwind of travels with Aiden, I step into my bustling office building. Even in this once familiar space, I find my mind caught in the echo of everything that had transpired that weekend. The air, filled with the familiar hum of typing and the murmur of conversations, seems strangely detached from the vibrant scenes I had witnessed. As I make my way to my desk, I begin to notice eyes following my every movement. Out of the corners of my vision, I can see my coworkers whisper amongst one another as I pass by. I pick up a few tidbits of conversation just barely within earshot. “Well, look who decided to finally show up.” “I’m surprised she even works here still. Isn’t she busy being a full-time celebrity girlfriend?” The weight of their judgment hangs in the air. I shouldn’t be surprised by the bitterness some of my coworkers are feeling. Typically, our work has a very strict absence policy with lots of paperwork. I had expected I would ne