Riley’s POV
The door swung open.
Gerald stepped inside.
My heart was beating so hard I thought it might burst through my chest. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn't think. I couldn’t move.
But Gerald looked around the room and found only me.
Just me.
Standing alone by the window, my hands gripping the curtain like it was the only thing keeping me upright.
“Erica?” His voice was warm, concerned. “What are you doing up here all alone?”
I opened my mouth, but no words came out. My brain had stopped working. All I could think was: Please don’t see Marcus.
“I…” I forced myself to speak, my voice shaking. “I came to check on Cynthia. And I needed to use the restroom.”
Gerald smiled gently, moving further into the room. “Cynthia’s downstairs with Paulette. I saw them in the sitting room just
