Chapter 52

"I'm sorry about how I spoke to you the other day," he apologized, his voice cracking slightly. "I wasn't in a good mood, and I'm always taking my aggression out on you. That's not fair, and I know it. I'm sorry, Emily."

As he spoke, his words dripped with intensity, and I couldn't help but cast my gaze downward. He closed the distance between us, his presence suffocating, making my breath catch in my throat. His hand grasped my jaw, gently but firmly, lifting my face to meet his piercing stare. I was paralyzed, frozen in time, as if the world had come to a standstill. The moment hung heavy, like a precipice, waiting to plummet into chaos. I felt trapped, unable to look away, as his eyes bore into mine.

My voice was barely audible as I finally found the courage to speak. 'Yes, I forgive you,' I whispered, taking a step back from him, desperate to break the spell. His hand fell away from my jaw, leaving a palpable absence, like a phantom limb. I hastened upstairs, my thoughts racing