Her lips parted in shock—she hadn't even noticed Carlos leaving.
Elvis was returning. Her heart was in turmoil. How was she supposed to face him?
His words years ago had cut Alicia deep. Years had sanded down the jagged edges of her resentment and longing, leaving only numb resignation.
She knew there was no future between her and Elvis. Not anymore.
The chaos in her chest wasn't about unresolved feelings—just the dread of confronting him again.
And this time? Who knew what fresh hell his return would unleash?
Maybe she'd struck a nerve with Carlos. The man had vanished for three straight days, raging like a storm.
After enduring Carlos's usual torment, these three days of peace had been heaven. But now, Elvis's impending return shattered her hard-won peace.
"Stella, what the hell—
