67. I Know I've Hurt You

Rima’s POV

With only half an hour until our departure, we navigated the labyrinth of security checks and checkpoints with practiced ease. There was no time to relax in the lounge, as we were ushered directly onto the tarmac where the sleek private jet that brought us here awaited.

The interior of the jet was bathed in a soft, ambient light, the plush seats beckoning invitingly. We slipped into the same seating arrangement as before - me by the window, Jacob beside me, his presence a comforting constant.

As the cabin crew began their pre-flight checks, a wave of unease washed over me. My hand trembled slightly as I reached for my seatbelt, the cool metal clasp slipping through my fingers. A bead of sweat trickled down my forehead, my palms growing clammy.

The all-too-familiar fear began to claw at my insides, my stomach churning ominously. It felt like a cruel puppeteer was tugging at my intestines, threatening to evacuate my earlier meal. My phobia