Three days passed.
Quiet.
Maya barely spoke to anyone. She kept replaying the scene at the coffee shop—Sebastian with that folder, Lucien leaning in, the word Ember slipping through the glass.
Sebastian acted normal.
She didn’t bring it up again. She didn’t know if she was protecting him… or protecting herself.
The apartment door opened.
Maya stepped out of her room just in time to see Sebastian walk in with two grocery bags—and Olivia right behind him.
Not in her thrift‑store apron.
Not delivering anything.
Just… with him.
Laughing with him.
Sebastian grinned. “Mom, look what Olivia found for you.”
Olivia held out a small pot of white orchids. “I thought you’d like these. They’re low‑maintenance—just a light spray every few days.”
Cecilia’s face softened instantly. “Oh, sweet
