“Fine! I’ll prepare your gift too,” she choked out before turning and walking away. Her clenched fists trembled, a clear sign of the storm she was holding back.
Behind her, Darlene’s voice broke through the silence, scolding Terence.
“What’s wrong with you? That poor girl gave me a gift to express her gratitude, and you just had to come in and ruin it. Now she’s upset because of you! Can’t you read the room for once?”
Terence snorted, crossing his arms. “Ungrateful brat. Who’s helped her the most around here? Me! So what if I ask for a gift?”
His tone carried a petulant edge, almost like a childish complaint.
Listening to Terence’s almost teasing rebuttal, Halle felt her chest tighten. It was as if the air had been sucked out of her lungs.
Third Person's POV
The conversation outside her room felt like a private exchange between lovers, with Halle as the unintentional third wheel.
She had never seen Terence like this before. Normally, he was all sharp edges—a constant frown and cold, unfeeling eyes. She had grown used to that version of him, believing he treated everyone the same.
But seeing him now, with his guard down around Darlene, was jarring.