Sensing his displeasure, Maggie's mind raced. With a nervous Laugh, she attempted to lighten the mood. "I'll give them to my colleagues."

With that, she hurried to the front desk, her heart pounding in her chest as she handed the pastries to the receptionist.

Sanford's expression remained unchanged as he turned on his heel and strode out of the studio.

Maggie whispered greetings to the receptionist before following after him.

As Maggie settled into the passenger seat, Sanford turned to her, his voice softening slightly. “Where do you live?”

“Just in the apartment building up ahead," Maggie replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sanford didn't utter a word as he started the car, the engine's hum filling the uneasy silence between them.

The vehicle moved forward, but the atmosphere inside remained thick with tension, suffocating in its intensity.

Noticing the stern set of Sanford's jaw, Maggie felt compelled to break the silence. "I've already talked to him."

Sanford pressed his lips together tightly, his silence speaking volumes as he grappled with his own tumultuous thoughts.

He hadn't intended to get out of the car, but an uneasy feeling had gnawed at him, urging him to confront the growing storm of emotions raging within him.

Unable to hear Maggie's conversation with Karl, Sanford could only speculate on the nature of their exchange.

Yet, despite Maggie's attempts to clarify matters, Karl's persistence grated on Sanford's nerves.

Caught between frustration and longing, Sanford couldn't help but wonder if Maggie would have entertained Karl's advances had he not intervened.

What a heartless woman, It seemed Maggie had moved on quickly after their separation.

Maggie, sensing Sanford's growing detachment, reached out and gently tugged on his sleeve, her voice soft and pleading.

“Are you angry again? Please, don't be mad," she pleaded.

Sanford, hearing her gentle tone, let out a sigh, his resolve wavering. With a decisive move, he pulled over to the side of the road.

Leaning in, he trapped her between him and the seat, his gaze piercing into hers with intensity.

"Maggie, tell me honestly, if I hadn't come looking for you, would you have ever sought me out again?"