_Leah's POV_

I noticed the slight frown creasing my forehead the moment Tariq returned to the table. He sat down. His gaze was soft with concern and he reached out to take my hand again. “Leah? Is everything okay?” he asked, his voice gentle.

My heart hammered in my chest. I tried to compose myself, but my thoughts were spinning too fast, still consumed by the message I had just seen. I forced a small smile, my voice betraying none of the turmoil inside me. “Yeah, everything is fine. ...