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ADELINE’S POV***

For three days, I had been under house arrest. No visitors, no calls. I didn't want anyone around me. I was tired and scared.

My once beautiful mansion felt like a cage. The curtains were drawn, blocking out the sunlight. I felt trapped in my own home, the walls closing in on me. The silence was heavy, suffocating.

The only person I allowed to see me was Clarissa. But even she was becoming too much.

"Adeline," Clarissa sobbed for what felt like the hundredth time. "I don't know how this happened. How did it come to this?"

I sighed, pressing my fingers to my temples. Her crying was getting on my nerves. I loved Clarissa, but I couldn't take much more of this.

"Clarissa, please," I said, my voice sharp. "Stop crying. I can't think with you crying all the time."

She looked at me with red, swollen eyes. "I'm sorry, Adeline. I just can't believe this is happening."

"Neither can I," I replied, my voice softer now. "But we need to stay strong. Crying won't solve anything."

S