You stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the strap of your dress, checking the way it hugged your body. Your makeup was done, hair perfect, heels adding just enough height to make you feel unstoppable. A night out with your friends was long overdue.

But Bruce hadn’t said much since you started getting ready.

You caught his reflection behind you—leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Watching.

He had been like this since you told him your plans. Silent. Brooding.

You sighed, turning to face him. “You’re really just going to stand there?”

Nothing. No shift in his stance, no change in expression. Just a long, slow glance from your heels to your lips—like he was searching for a reason to keep you here.

Finally, voice low, a little rough—

“Do you have to go?”