CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FIVE – GIVING HER SPACE

With that, he turned back to Karina. "Do you want to get out of here? We could go for a walk, get some fresh air." Karina felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room. Everyone was staring at them, the silence deafening. "I think you should go," she said quietly, her voice trembling slightly. "We'll talk later." Miguel's expression softened. "Karina, I—" "Please, Miguel. Just go." He hesitated for a moment before nodding. As he walked away, Karina could hear the whispers starting up again, louder this time. The rest of the day passed in a blur. Karina kept her head down, avoiding eye contact with her colleagues. When it was finally time to leave, she gathered her things quickly, desperate to escape the stifling atmosphere. As she stepped out of the building, she saw Miguel waiting by his car. She approached him, her emotions a swirling mix of anger, embarrassment, and exhaustion. "What were you thinking?" she demanded as soon as she reached him. Miguel looked taken ab