Ronald's POV
I was still grappling with the events of yesterday. Erin's response shattered me. Despite hoping for a positive outcome, I was bracing myself for rejection. However, when she said she only wanted to stay in touch as a friend who occasionally visits her family, something inside me broke. I was angry with her, and even though I had so much to say, I chose to remain silent, hiding how deeply her words had affected me.
I tried to fall asleep, but my discomfort kept me awake beside the storm that was too loud to let me drift off.
Hearing her moving around downstairs made me frown; I couldn't fathom where she wanted to go. For a moment, I worried that she was upset by my silence and had decided to move out and wait for the trial alone.
As I got out of bed and hurried after her
