Melissa.
“What did you just do, Melissa?”
Fredrick’s voice cut through the tension like a whip, echoing across the room as he rushed forward. His steps were quick, purposeful, filled with that familiar intensity I had learned to dread. I watched him carefully, knowing that whatever he thought he saw in that moment would shape everything that followed. I was certain he wouldn’t stop to hear the truth, not really. As long as Amelia lay on the floor, weak and defeated, I was the villain in his eyes. That was the reality of the world I had stumbled into.
Fredrick reached Amelia, crouching slightly to help her up. His hands were gentle as he lifted her onto the chair, adjusting her position to make her comfortable, ensuring she looked unharmed. But even in this small act of care, his eyes f
