~Earlier~
After the meeting with the planning committee in charge of the fashion week, Jessica had gone on-site with the team to inspect the venue.
The final arrangements were reviewed and adjustments made on spot making sure everything falls in order. After exchanging a good night wish with Richard and instructing him to see to the final adjustments, she stepped out of the hotel.
The cool night air brushed her skin, bringing a small wave of relief from the chaos of the day. She paused under the building's canopy and returned Davis's missed calls.
But when he informed her that he wouldn't be returning that night, the disappointment tugged at her heartstrings. That single sentence drained her will to return to the villa and every trace of enthusiasm to go home vanished.
She hadn't realized until now how accustomed she had become to his presence—how his absence made the silence heavier, the night colder.
