Jessica wiped her tears hastily as footsteps approached. Alex appeared at the end of the hallway, concern etched across his face.
"Jessica?" he called softly, his voice a lifeline against the storm raging inside her.
She quickly straightened, masking her turmoil. "I'm fine," she said curtly, brushing past him.
Alex caught her wrist gently, his eyes searching hers. "It doesn’t look like it. Did he hurt you?"
Jessica stiffened, shaking her head. "Let it go, Alex. Just… let it go."
Alex released her reluctantly, but his jaw tightened as he watched her retreat. He didn’t like what he saw, and his loyalty to Armando was beginning to clash with the protective instincts he felt for Jessica.
---
Jessica reached her room and closed the door behind her, leaning against it for supp
