Lingering Ties

Gavin dropped the gold-embossed invitation card onto the mahogany desk. The cardstock landed with a sharp thud, breaking the tense silence of the room. He took a quick step back, his polished shoes scuffing the floor, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the office. He reached the heavy double doors, grabbed the brass handle, and paused. A mocking smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth a