47

Mia was pensive, her eyes glued to the majestic view of the city that sprawled outside her apartment window. The city lights flickered like jewels in the distance, but their glow was not enough to illuminate the anxiety creeping into her heart. James, who had been watching her from the corner of the room, approached her with cautious steps, as if not wanting to disturb Mia's musings.

When Mia turned her head and smiled at him, there was something in her smile that was uncharacteristic. A smile that was more like a mask, covering up what she was really feeling. "You look a bit off," James finally broke the silence, his voice soft, full of concern.

Mia just shrugged her shoulders slightly, a small gesture that carried the weight of unspoken feelings. "Is there something else on your mind?" asked James, trying to reach deeper.

"I just realized one thing," Mia said, her voice barely audible. James furrowed his brow, a question mark etched on his face, but he didn't get to ask further bef