Chapter 177: The Weight of Love

Thelma Zane’s POV I knocked gently on the door, and from within came Aldrich’s steady voice. “Please let me be alone for a while. Thank you.” “It’s me, Aldrich,” I called out softly. There was a pause. I heard his footsteps before the door opened to reveal his tall, familiar figure. “Hello. I heard you canceled today’s training,” I said, trying to maintain a calm demeanor. “I came to see if everything is alright.” I pretended to be at ease, but my awkward posture and restless hands betrayed me completely. My heart raced as I stumbled to fill the silence. “You’re going on a mission, right? Is that why you’re still at home? Are you only leaving later tonight?” I cringed inwardly as the words left my mouth. What was I even saying? Desperate to escape my own embarrassment, I added hastily, “Not that I’m prying, of course. I don’t mean anything by it. Honestly, I don’t even know what I’m talking about. This is so awkward. Would you mind inviting me in? Standing at the doo