Since it was still morning, most bars were closed. While Stewart was racking his brain trying to figure out where to take her, Charlene received two texts from Dr.


    Wagner.


    Ten minutester, her ns for a drink were derailed. Instead, she headed straight to the Base.


    Every time she went to the facility, she was buried in work until she lost track of time. This trip was no exception.


    She pulled an all-nighter the very first day and kept going until the following evening before the pace finally slowed down.


    Around eight o''clock that night, she left the data room to grab dinner. As she stepped into the corridor, she immediately locked eyes with a tall, well-built man standing there.


    Charlene paused, but York Watson strode right up to her. "I heard you got in yesterday, but I''ve been swamped with tasks. I just wrapped up."


    "... Yeah. Good work."


    "Dinner together?"


    It was obvious he had been waiting for her, so she relented. "...Sure."


    They made small talk on their way to the cafeteria and discussed work over their meal. When there was a lull in the conversation, she looked up and noticed York had stopped eating. He was staring at her thoughtfully.


    "What is it?" she asked.


    "Are you upset about something?"


    Charlene blinked in surprise.


    She had been so buried in her tasks these past two days that she barely had time to think. The suffocating heaviness in her chest had dulled beneath the sheer volume


    of work, and she had assumed she was hiding it perfectly well.


    "Is it that obvious?"


    "Not entirely." But he could tell.


    In the past, no matter how grueling the obstacles at the Base or how exhausted she was, her eyes had always sparked with drive and anticipation. It was clear she genuinely loved her work here.


    But now, even though her focus was fixed on her tasks, a faint shadow of sorrow clung to her brow.


    Anyone who didn''t pay close attention would have missed itpletely.


    He didn''t pick up his fork again. Instead, keeping his gaze on her, he asked, "Is it about him?"


    Charlene knew exactly who he meant.


    Without missing a beat, she took another bite and said evenly, "You could say that." "What happened?"


    He knew she wasn''t officially divorced yet. Usually, whenever her husband or the divorce came up, she remained perfectlyposed. Why the sudden shift?


    Charlene shook her head, unwilling to borate.


    Seeing her hesitation, York didn''t press. He seamlessly changed the subject. "When are you heading back?"


    "Probably in the next day or two."


    "Alright."


    For the next two days, York waited outside her door every single day so they could eat together at the cafeteria.


    Dr. Wagner even ran into them twice.


    The first time, Dr. Wagner barely reacted.


    The second time he caught York waiting for her, he stopped in his tracks, giving them both a knowing look.


    Though his expression remained


    cid, Charlene got to tet


    Stoffvel


    feeling he was jumping to


    conclusions Dr. Wagner, aren''t-


    "Mhm." Not even letting her finish, Dr. Wagner nodded and walked away.


    Charlene was left speechless.


    She left the Base on the afternoon of her fourth day. To her surprise, York was waiting at the exit.


    She blinked, caught off guard.


    When the car arrived to take her


    back, York casually slid into the seat beside her with a smile. "I happen to have the day off. Mind if I tag along


    Again, Charlene was utterly speechless.