Chapter 312

That day was different. Usually, Jabco picked her up after work. It had become a quiet routine without them ever saying it out loud. He would wait outside, sometimes inside the car, sometimes leaning against it. He never rushed her. He never complained if she came late. He just showed up. But that afternoon, he sent her a short message. Meeting tonight. Won’t be able to pick you up. Riyana read it twice. She didn’t reply immediately. She stared at the screen for a while, then locked her phone and slipped it back into her bag. She told herself it was fine. He had meetings all the time. She wasn’t a child who needed to be picked up every day. Still, something felt off. She finished her work with Lennox later than usual. It had been a long session again. When they finally wrapped up, Riyana felt tired but satisfied. Just as she stepped out of the building, her phone rang. “Kira?” she answered. “Riyana!” Kira sounded excited. “We’re going out for drinks. All of us. You’re coming.” Riyana h