Marilena arrives at work feeling restless. She barely slept, her mind replaying the conversation with Solara and Jake, the post, and the growing attention surrounding Christian. She knows she shouldn't care, but pretending it doesn't bother her is getting harder.
As she steps into the office, she immediately notices the energy shift. Whispers. Stolen glances. The air feels charged. She grabs a cup of coffee from the break room, the comforting warmth of the mug in her hands helping to ease the lingering tension from the events of the past few days.
She heads straight for her desk, ignoring the curious looks. Just as she sits down, Solara appears beside her, holding a cup of coffee and wearing a knowing smirk.
"Morning," Solara singsongs.
Marilena eyes her warily. "What now?"
Solara sips her coffee, clearly enjoying herself. "Oh, nothing. Just wondering if you've seen the latest updates."
Marilena sighs, already dreading whatever it is. "Solara—"
