“Why must you make a big deal out of everything? Are you suggesting an asexual marriage between us?”

She countered, "Men and women are different. A woman consents to intimacy only when she's in love, whereas a man doesn't need love to engage."

Brian's voice tinged with frustration.

"So, Rosalynn, are you actually trying to say you don't love me?"

Rosalynn's gaze shifted to the opposite elevator wall as she said with feigned indifference, "I have responsibilities tomorrow. I need to remain clear-headed."

Her feelings for him were genuine, yet she was burdened by an internal struggle.

She acknowledged her own sentimentality.

After all, things too easily gained are seldom valued.

She wasn't ready to yield to him so quickly, not wanting him to perceive her as an easy conquest.

Maybe this was the “delicate equilibrium" that Gail had spoken of.

Silence ensued between them, chilling the atmosphere.

When the elevator reached her floor, Rosalynn stepped out without looking back, Brian made no move to follow.

As the elevator doors shut, Rosalynn allowed herself a mocking smile.

Men often had a realistic outlook on things.

Realizing there would be no intimacy tonight, he didn't bother with pretenses of endearment.

Inhaling deeply, Rosalynn retreated to her room for a soothing hot shower.

Post-shower, she meticulously collected strands of her hair, secured them in a tissue, and placed them alongside Gail's in a plastic bag.

Her thoughts drifted to the Moreno family, her eyes softening.

She felt a strong connection to them, convinced she belonged with the Moreno family.

Despite Kyson's distant demeanor, she felt an undeniable sense of connection.