Chapter 219
~ Nathaniel ~
“I stayed with Hailey for a week,” I said, leaning forward in my chair, forearms braced against my knees. My voice was calm, measured—but there was something coiled beneath it. “A whole week of living in her apartment. Sleeping on her couch. Making her meals. Watching her recover.”
Navine didn’t interrupt. His posture shifted subtly, shoulders tightening, jaw setting. Defensive had given way to wary.
“And I noticed things,” I continued.
His eyes flicked up to mine. “I see.”
I let out a quiet breath, choosing not to soften it. “Changes in her body,” I said bluntly. “The increased appetite—she was eating portions that would’ve filled two people. Waking up at odd hours just to snack, like her body demanded fuel immediately or else. Frequent trips to the bathroo
