although claire was now sat comfortably on edward's sofa, eyes changing focus from him to the space in front of her. trying to keep up an appearance was exhausting her and now that his new partner had gone public with the birth of their child, it made the woman on edge. "listen, if you had plans and have somewhere to be, i totally understand. i'll just go." she'd ventured to his in the first place because she didn't want to be alone in that foreign space. her mind being elsewhere, most things were still in boxes; perhaps she was afraid to unpack because it meant a new chapter. despite the significant downsizing from her penthouse on south bank, that she was now renting out for a hefty sum per month, the place felt like it swallowed her up. "i don't want to inconvenience you at all."

not long after returning from a business meal, claire had heard her intercom go off and was made aware of naeun's presence. the woman had offered the other a place with her if she needed it, for any amount of time just so she could feel safe with minimal questions being posed to her. opening the door for the younger woman, she pulled a slight and brief smile before gesturing to naeun to come in. "it's good to see you." the reassurance was given like clockwork. claire herself wasn't the most open individual so didn't want to pry - it was obvious how silence followed and no questions asking about well-being followed. of course, she cared but the last thing she wanted was to overwhelm. "do you need anything? i only just got back in myself."