Maya hesitated, her thoughts a chaotic mess of fear and uncertainty. For what felt like an eternity, she sat frozen on the sofa, trying to summon some shred of courage to act.
But there was no courage left in her. With a trembling sigh, she slowly pushed herself to her feet, her knees weak beneath her.
Every step toward the bedroom felt heavier than the last, her heart sinking as the oppressive silence of the house seemed to swallow her whole.
She followed Ross, her mind screaming at her to turn back, to run, to fight—yet her body refused to obey.
Her stomach churned as she crossed the threshold into what had once been her sanctuary—her bedroom.
The sight of Ross sitting so casually on her bed, legs folded in a perfect lotus position, sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.
His sharp, unyielding gaze locked onto her the moment she entered, pinning her in place.
