Chapter 163

I wander around aimlessly for a while before I go back to the house. Josh and the two girls had left, and the place was quiet. As I walk through, I wonder if Shayla left with them until I heard noises coming from the first floor. I follow the sound, making my way up the steps one at a time, groaning at the pain of my ribs. I stop outside the door when I hear the distinct sound of someone crying. I wouldn't even call it crying, no, it was sobbing, like when you're in absolute agony, and you can't catch your breath. It was Shayla. I press my forehead to the door and close my eyes, my chest got tight, and my breath constricted the longer I listened to her weeping.

Something deep inside my gut made me push the door open and walk into the bedroom. Shayla was curled up on the bed in the foetal position crying, her whole body shaking with hoarse sobs. I feel like a real arsehole for hurting her. I walk to the bed and sit at the end, my head cast down while I stare at the floor. "I'm