Mira's body trembled as Zack clasped her hands, his grip firm and unyielding. A wave of revulsion surged through her—so overwhelming, it left her frozen. She wished, in that instant, for the ground to open beneath her feet and swallow her whole. Anything would be better than enduring the vile touch of this man.
Memories she had buried long ago clawed their way to the surface, vivid and relentless, like ghosts refusing to rest. The cold sensation of his skin against hers made her stomach churn violently, her breaths becoming shallow and erratic. She couldn't think, couldn't move, as if her mind were shackled by fear.
"Wow," Zack drawled, his voice cutting through her turmoil. His tone was laced with mock admiration, making her skin crawl. "You've grown so beautiful over the years. What have I missed?"
