By the time the boys returned, they found Eveline and Ella sitting in deep thought, their expressions serious.
Sharing a curious glance, Gabriel and Stefan approached them.
"Is everything okay between you two?" Gabriel asked, running a hand over Eveline's head. She flinched, her dazed eyes snapping to his.
"When did you two come?" she asked, blinking in confusion as she glanced between Gabriel and Stefan.
Ella, also startled out of her thoughts the moment she sensed Stefan's presence, felt a strange weight settle in her chest. However, unlike Eveline, she quickly masked her emotions and forced a smile.
Gabriel kept his gaze fixed on Eveline, but Ella took the chance to speak.
"Why don't you two stay and have lunch with us?" she suggested.
Stefan nodded in agreement, but Gabriel was quick to decline.
"I don't think that's possible. We have a meeting to attend, and Eveline is coming with me," he said firmly.
