Chapter Fifty

As Samara turned the corner onto her street, she saw Damien waiting outside his apartment. He smiled when he saw her, and she felt a pang of guilt. She didn't know what to say to him, didn't know how to explain the emotions that were swirling inside her.

"Hey," Damien said, as she approached him. "How did it go with Frederick?"

Samara hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "It was...complicated," she said finally.

Damien nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "I can imagine," he said. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Samara shook her head, feeling overwhelmed. "Not now," she said. "I just need some time to think."

Damien nodded again, his expression soft. "Okay," he said. "Take all the time you need."

Samara smiled weakly, feeling grateful for his patience and understanding. She knew that she didn't deserve it, but she was thankful nonetheless.

As she went inside, Samara felt like she was stepping into a void, unsure of what lay