Chapter 185
The time it took to reach the apartment felt unusually long. While the doorman greeted them and exchanged light conversation with Ashley—who even tipped him and laughed at his joke—Koi kept glancing anxiously toward the elevator.
The private elevator, unsurprisingly, was still waiting on the ground floor where they had arrived. Koi rushed in ahead, fidgeting nervously, while Ashley remained behind, calmly chatting with the doorman as if they had all the time in the world.
“Have a pleasant evening, Mr. Miller.”
The doorman gave a short nod to Koi as well, smiling through the closing elevator doors. As soon as they were finally alone, Koi’s heart began to pound so loudly it felt like it was right next to his ear. Glancing sideways, he caught his own reflection in the elevator’s mirrored wall. His cheeks were flushed, his eyes shifting nervously—he looked suspicious, no doubt about it. What if the doorman had sensed something? But of course, he couldn’t go back and ask.
It’s fine. It’s not that obvious...
...Probably.
Just as he reached that thought, a soft chime rang and the elevator stopped. The doors opened to reveal a spacious living room.
Ashley stepped aside with a gentle smile, gesturing for him to go first. With no real choice, Koi stepped out and pushed open the glass double doors, revealing the wide living space.
Gulp.
The sound of dry swallowing filled his ears. Behind him, the elevator doors shut. Koi quickly moved into the living room and turned around. Ashley closed the inner doors and turned toward him. An awkward silence settled between them.
“Um... so...”
Koi managed to force the words from his dry throat.