Chapter 202

Silvia Lately, Noah hadn't been clinging to me like he did right after getting out of the hospital. Honestly, him starting his own life was a relief. Gave me some space to breathe. I'd been wanting to spend more time with Sherman. The guy's been carrying a lot on his shoulders lately, though for some reason, he's been crazy busy every time I try to catch him. That's what drove me to seek him out late that night. I found him collapsed over his desk in the study, papers strewn like fallen leaves. His stress hung in the air like a weight, palpable even before I crossed the threshold. "You should be sleeping," I said softly, leaning against the doorframe. Sherman didn't look up. His golden hair fell across his forehead as he studied what looked like territorial maps. "Can't. Too much happening." I crossed the room, my bare feet silent on the hardwood. When I reached him, I placed my hand on his shoulder, feeling the tense muscles beneath his shirt. "Another border dispute ?" He finally loo