CATHERINE'S POV
The first thing I noticed when I woke up was the silence. It was evening now—had to be past seven—but no one had come to check on me. I'd been locked in this room for what felt like forever. The air in the room felt stale. My stomach growled painfully, reminding me I hadn't eaten since yesterday.
My throat was dry, parched like I'd swallowed sand.
I had been forced to drink tap water from the bathroom just to stay hydrated. The act alone was humiliating but there was no other option. As for food? There was nothing. Just my growing hunger and the deep ache in my chest.
Mason kept banging on the door and calling my name. But Ann had intervened. She barked at him to shut up and leave. I'd heard the shuffle of footsteps and Mason crying as she dragged him away.
The sound o
