Jessica’s days blurred into nights, each passing moment chipping away at the fragile semblance of normalcy she had built in Paris. Her body moved through the motions—caring for Alvaro, checking their surroundings, and trying to maintain a smile for Sean’s sake—but inside, she was crumbling.
Her nights were the worst. The city’s distant hum, once a comfort, now felt oppressive, pressing in on her like a suffocating fog. She would sit by the window for hours, staring out at the dimly lit streets, her thoughts spiraling into an endless loop of anxiety and regret.
Every shadow became a threat. Every passerby felt like Armando’s eyes watching her, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And though she had Sean and his family by her side, Jessica had never felt more alone.
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Alvaro’
