His intense gaze
The house was eerily quiet as he wandered through the hallway, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. His breath hitched as he turned the corner, his eyes finally landing on her. She was sitting at the dining table, casually eating breakfast, while Charlie sat faithfully beside her, his tail wagging as he looked up at Ava with adoration.
Relief washed over him like a tidal wave, momentarily easing the knot of tension that had built up in his chest. She was still here. She hadn't left. But as his gaze lingered on her, he noticed the serious expression on her face, the way her shoulders seemed tense, and the cool detachment in her movements. His heart sank again.
Taking a deep breath, Cameron cautiously approached her, feeling the weight of his own guilt pressing down on him. His footsteps were quiet, hesitant, as if he was afraid to break the fragile silence that hung between them.