Back inside the room, Avey sat in silence, the weight of Lucian's words crashing over her like a relentless tide. Her tears flowed freely, unchecked, her body trembling as if the very core of her being had shattered.
Did he really say that?
Her wide, unblinking eyes stared at the ceiling, her thoughts circling endlessly around the words that had cut through her like a knife.
"Yes, I hate you…for what you've done to me."
Her lips quivered, mouthing the words silently to herself as if trying to make sense of them. Her breath hitched, her chest heaving as the phrase echoed over and over in her mind.
Hate me? He hates me?
The realization hit her like a punch to the gut. Her fingers clenched weakly at her sides, trembling, as if holding onto the last thread of her composure.
Why? Why would he react like this?
