Cassie’s answer was a shrug, the kind of slow, lazy movement meant to say you’re beneath my energy.

“Think whatever you want,” she said, eyes fixed on her phone.

I didn’t waste a single word on her. My silence was the sharpest reply I could give. I took my phone from the counter, fingers curling around it like I was holding back more than just anger, and walked out. The need to get space from her was louder than the need to win.

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Back in the studio, I buried myself in edits, ...