New Duty

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CHAPTER 142

~Zade's POV~

An hour later, we found ourselves seated at a small restaurant within the mall. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat filled the air as we browsed the menu.

"So," I began, leaning back in my chair, "how have you been holding up?"

Tempest hesitated, her fingers playing with the edge of her napkin. "I've been... fine. Just trying to figure things out."

I nodded, my expression gentle. "It's okay to take your time. No one expects you to have all the answers right away."

She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine for something I couldn't quite name. "Why are you so nice to me, Zade?"

"Because you deserve it," I said simply. "You're stronger than you think, Tempest. And I see that."

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked away, focusing on the menu. "You're annoying, you know that?"