𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐑𝐓

33

                                ᴏɴɪᴋᴀ ᴍᴀʀᴀᴊ

Later That Day...

The hours had passed since Aubrey left the kitchen, and the house was winding down. Everyone was beginning to leave, and I found myself with Omari, who had finally fallen asleep in my arms.

I had just finished cleaning him up, and I was about to take him to his room when I noticed Kashton walk in.

"I got him, Onika," he said, offering his hands to take Omari from mine.

I hesitated for a moment but then gently passed Omari to him. "Are you sure?" I asked, glancing down at my son, who was still peacefully sleeping.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Go ahead, take a breather." Kashton smiled warmly at me.

I smiled back at him, grateful. "Thanks, Kashton," I said softly. "Do you know where Aubrey is?"

"Yeah," he replied, glancing toward the hallway. "He's in the gym."

I nodded, the thought of seeing Aubrey made me feel a little anxious. I hadn't seen him much since earlier when Sophie had whispered something in his ear and they both left the kitchen.

I had no idea what they were talking about, but after that.

Aubrey hadn't come back.

"Thanks," I said again, giving Kashton a small smile before turning to walk down the hallway.

I walked through the house, my thoughts swirling. I couldn't help but wonder what happened when Sophie pulled him aside.

From the way his expression darkened, I could tell she had said something that upset him, but I had no clue what it was.

I hesitated outside the gym door, taking a deep breath before gently pushing it open.

Inside, I found Aubrey alone, working on bench presses, his face set in focus as he pushed the weights up and down. The room was quiet aside from the sound of the weights clanking and his steady breathing.

I didn't make myself known immediately. I just stood there, watching him for a moment.

Wondered if he was okay, or if whatever had happened with Sophie earlier was weighing on him more than he was letting on.

I stayed in the doorway, unsure if I should say something or just wait. Aubrey didn't seem to notice me, lost in his workout. I noticed the tension in his shoulders, the way his brow furrowed as he focused on each press.

It was clear something was on his mind.

Walking into the gym, not saying a word, but Aubrey noticed me almost immediately. He stopped mid-rep, letting the weights drop with a soft thud.