Claire's POV
I was stunned when I heard Gloria's voice from the other side of the call. My whole body shivered, and my hand holding the phone started to shake. It felt as if time had stopped, and I was frozen in place, trapped in the memories I had fought so hard to bury.
But no, I couldn't let her see the scared, submissive version of me. Not anymore. I clenched my free hand into a fist, trying to steady my voice.
"Mrs. Kensington, if you have nothing to say, then I am hanging up," I said firmly, though my voice was slightly shaky. Before she could reply, I ended the call.
The moment I hung up, the strength I had mustered disappeared. My phone slipped from my hand and hit the floor as I collapsed onto my knees with a loud thud. My breathing became heavy and erratic, and despite the cold weather, I was drenched in sweat.
