CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE: FLUSTERED

The next morning dawned with a heavy blanket of awkwardness lingering between Sarah and Axel. She couldn't shake the memory of their unexpected kiss, and he seemed equally uncomfortable with the sudden shift in their relationship. "I... I should probably go home and change before heading to the office," Sarah said, breaking the tense silence that hung between them. Axel nodded silently, his expression unreadable as he turned away, retreating into his usual aura of indifference. With a heavy heart, Sarah gathered her things and left Axel's apartment, feeling a strange mix of longing and confusion churning inside her. She couldn't shake the memory of their kiss, the way his lips had felt against hers, but she knew she couldn't dwell on it forever. As she made her way home, Sarah tried to push aside the swirling thoughts and emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. She needed to focus on getting ready for work, on putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. But no ma