Chapter 72

~Jasmine~ My brow furrowed as I heard a faint scuffling sound. What could it be? I forced my eyes open and saw Mav dressing, which only deepened my confusion. What time was it? Had I slept that long? “Going to work already?” I asked, my voice still thick with sleep, blinking against the room's light. “Good morning, sunshine,” Mav replied, a gentle smile playing on his lips. I inwardly rolled my eyes. *Sunshine*? Seriously? It felt like a line from a cheesy old movie. Before I could tease him about it, however, he immediately asked, his tone laced with concern, “How are you feeling?” How was I feeling? I honestly couldn't say. Strangely, I woke with a sense of lightness, as if a great weight had been lifted. I still felt a lingering emptiness, but the heavy grief I had anticipated hadn't materialized. “As good as ever,” I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. Almost as soon as the words left my mouth, I asked, “Can I come with you to the office?” Mav’s expression softened