Twenty

I quickly composed myself, trying to hide the panic that threatened to surface. My mother’s words echoed in my mind—your boyfriend and stepfather.The two people who were complicating my life beyond measure, waiting for me downstairs, both likely unaware of the storm brewing inside me.

“Sure, Mom. I’ll be down in a minute,” I managed to say, forcing a smile.

My mother nodded, giving me a warm smile before she left the room. As soon as the door closed behind her, I collapsed back onto the bed, covering my face with my hands. Breakfast with both Alex and Jack? How was I supposed to handle that?

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. There was no avoiding it. I had to face them, even if it felt like I was walking into a minefield. But how could I look them both in the eye, knowing what I had done?

I stood up, staring at myself in the mirror. My reflection looked tired, worn out from the emotional turmoil of the last 24 hours. I straightened my shoulders, trying to