Chapter 115

Lauren's POV

“You have a lovely home,” Roman said as he lowered himself onto the couch, his tall frame sinking comfortably into the soft cushions. His gaze swept across the room with casual ease, but I could see his eyes quietly studying the details of each picture frame, each piece of furniture as though he was piecing together fragments of who I was from the space around me.

I forced a polite smile. “Thank you,” I replied, though my chest felt tight.

Beside me, Tessa edged closer, her bowl of ice cream in hand. She leaned in so close that her lips were nearly brushing my ear, her whisper low and sharp. “You didn’t tell me you were bringing him in. I thought you guys were going to talk outside.”

Her words carried that unmistakable scolding tone, like she was both shocked and amused at the same time.

I flicked my eyes toward Roman, who was already watching us with a raised brow. His expression was unreadable — half curious, half suspici