Every touch warned me to run.
Every breath begged me to stay.
—-
Lily's PoV
Tears blurred my vision as I fled the room, my sobs muffled by the cold walls. I stumbled down the stairs and crashed into Alex’s father, the unexpected contact knocking the breath out of me.
His hands steadied me, warm and firm, but his voice was low, surprisingly gentle.
“Careful. Watch your step.”
I blinked away the sting in my eyes and forced a smile, nodding. He didn’t press further, but I caught the flicker of concern lurking behind his calm mask. “ Join us for dinner.”
My voice was caught in my throat, I couldn’t refuse so I let him lead my silently into the dining room.
The dining room was too bright.
Overhead lights beamed down like spotlights, harsh and unforgiving. The polished table gleamed
