The drive home was awkward. Jake sat beside Zara, his gaze fixed ahead, not once turning her way. Zara pressed her palms flat on her thighs, refusing to fidget, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing her shaken.

Finally, his voice broke through. Low. Controlled. “So. about the headlines. Just ignore it, it will go away with time?” Zara didn’t look at him. She adjusted her bag, eyes on the blur outside. “Time?” Her tone was flat. “You’re not the one everyone is talking ...