Chapter 56

Juliette walked into Ryan's living room, finding him engrossed in whatever he was doing on his laptop. Surprised by her sudden entrance, Ryan quickly closed his laptop, attempting to hide whatever he had been looking at.

Juliette couldn't help but smirk at his reaction. "Why? Are you hiding something from me?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Good morning to you too," Ryan retorted with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

Rather than getting into a snarky banter, Juliette scoffed and settled herself on the couch across from Ryan. He leaned back, crossing his legs and folding his hands on his chest. His eyes locked onto hers, silently urging her to speak.

"So..." he started, breaking the silence.

"Why did you want to see me?" he asked.

"Why didn't you ask why I looked disheveled yesterday?" Juliette replied, her tone slightly softer.

Ryan paused for a moment, sensing a subtle shift in her demeanor.