Chapter 980

Maddie's POV

It was something we did whenever we had free time, an unspoken tradition between us.

But to my surprise, Jason immediately shook his head.

"Not in the mood," he muttered.

I blinked. "What? But you never say no to chess."

"I'm just... not in the mood, Maddie," he repeated, standing up from the couch.

I crossed my arms. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he replied too quickly.

I narrowed my eyes. Jason was never good at lying, and right now, I could see it all over his face…something was wrong.

"Jason…"

"I'm going home," he cut me off abruptly, already heading toward the door.

I took a step forward. "Wait, you're leaving?"

"Yeah," he muttered without turning around. "I'll see you later."

And with that, he walked out of the apartment, shutting the door behind him.

I just stood there, stunned, staring at the closed door.

Jason never left this suddenly. He always stayed for h