CHAPTER 449

Emily’s POV

The doorbell rang, startling me from my thoughts. Antoine’s guilty verdict had hit hard, but deep down, I knew it was what had to happen. His crimes—his choices—were things he had to answer for, no matter how much he had changed recently.

Taking a deep breath, I crossed the room and opened the door.

Chris stood there, his familiar face filled with concern. I gasped in surprise. “Chris! You’re here,” I said in awe, wondering for a while if my mind was just playing tricks on me.

Before I could say anything more, he stepped forward, wrapping me in his arms. The warmth of his embrace was immediate, and the tension in my body began to melt. I hadn’t realized just how much I needed this—needed him—until now.

“Hey,” he murmured softly into my hair. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get here sooner.”

I clung to him, my head resting against his chest as I tried to steady my breathing. “I’m just glad you’re here now,” I whispered.

Chris pulled back slightly, just enough to look into my eyes.