Claudia opened the door to the hospital room, balancing a box of Damian's favorite cookies in one hand. Her cheerful expression flickered as she saw him seated by the window, posture straight and composed, with a piece of paper held delicately in his hand. He turned to her as a faint smile graced his lips, but his demeanor was oddly distant and reserved.
"Claudia," he greeted in his smooth and formal voice, as if addressing an acquaintance rather than his fiancée. "You've come to see me again. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."
The words was so unlike him which caught her off guard. She paused mid-step as her gaze dropped to the paper in his hand. She let out a subtle sigh as she continued toward him and set the box of cookies on the bedside table.
"You're at it again?" she asked in her
