431: Unsent Messages

Emma wasn't absorbed in the discussions echoing from downstairs. Her phone had become a recurring distraction, fingers hovering over the keys several times, ready to craft a message to Bauer, to clarify everything. But each attempt halted, a reminder echoing in her mind—there was no need. Theirs was not a bond bound by titles or expectations; it was merely a flirtation. Why bother explaining? It was a family matter, after all, disconnected from whatever she and Bauer shared. This rationale didn't alleviate her annoyance, though. Despite resolving not to send a message, one from Bauer popped up unexpectedly, jolting Emma with a surge of hope, only to crash into frustration upon reading it. Bauer wanted clarity on their relationship, a clarity that irked Emma enough to hurl her phone against the wall, shattering it. She scoffed at her own reaction—such dramatics over a casual fling seemed ludicrous. Resolved to forget the night’s irritation, Emma planned to buy a new phone in the mo