Not a Victim

JOSIE

I crawled out of bed and stumbled toward the row of wall-to-ceiling windows overlooking the East River. The view from my bedroom was stunning, and so was my entire new apartment, but I couldn't find even a sliver of excitement within me.

Sighing deeply, I pressed my hands to the window and blankly stared at the Manhattan skyscrapers. I instantly wished I could be on the other side of the river instead of here, where I felt as if I were exiled. A few months ago, if I'd been given such an apartment, it would have been like winning the lottery. Right now, I couldn't care less about where I lived. I only wanted Killian to be there with me.

Letting out another sigh, I moved away from the window, grabbed a few clothes, and started preparing for work. I debated whether or not I should apply any makeup, but the dark circles under my eyes told me I should.

“Don't crawl into your shell. Don't crawl into your shell. Don't crawl into your shell…” I kept repeating my mantra as I stared at my