Chapter 1854

Sergio sat across from Maeve. His eyes were fixed on her with an intensity that felt almost intrusive. Maeve hated it. That look, like he was peeling her apart piece by piece, made her feel like she was standing naked before him. "Fine, I'll smoke," she muttered as she grabbed the pack of cigarettes on the table. She plucked one out and held it between her lips. Just as she fumbled with the lighter, Sergio's voice broke the silence. "You need to inhale while you light it." Maeve tried to follow his instructions, but even the simple act of lighting the cigarette felt clumsy and awkward. "So what if I can't smoke?" She gave up and placed the cigarette pack back on the table. "Yeah, I don't smoke. I was just faking it. Go ahead, report me if you want." She leaned back in her chair with her posture dripping with defiance, like she didn't care about the consequences. Sergio said, "I never said I was going to report you." Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You're… not?" "You a