Chapter 018

HANNAH

Jace jumped into the driver's seat swiftly after handing Willa some money to settle the bill without properly explaining to her the matter at hand. I was lost in thoughts, wondering what possibly might have happened. I was so absorbed in my own worries that I didn't even notice Jace's request to fasten my seatbelt. It wasn't until he reached across me and his hand brushed against mine that I jolted back to reality.

He fastened the seatbelt himself."Try to be calm, he said, trying to put my mind at rest. But my worries were stubborn, refusing to dissipate. I nodded, attempting to appear composed, but my heart continued to race with anxiety. He reached for the ignition, inserted the key, and swerved the car onto the bustling road, merging into the stream of vehicles heading towards my home.

As we drove through the city, the familiar landmarks and sounds became blur, my focus was captured by the uncertainty ahead. Jace's attempts to calm me down did little to alleviate my growing