Jessy’s pov :
The clock on my dresser ticked steadily, each second a reminder of my need for order in a world that had felt anything but orderly these past months. I stood before the full-length mirror in my bedroom at the Silverfang estate, smoothing the wrinkles from my knee-length navy dress, simple, elegant, with a high neckline and fitted sleeves that screamed discipline. No frills, no chaos.
My blonde waves were pulled into a neat chignon, gray eyes critically assessing every detail: lipstick a subtle rose, earrings small silver hoops, heels practical yet polished. I liked things neat, controlled, therapy had drilled that into me, how my obsession with Elias had been a facade for avoiding real vulnerability.
Cade Blackwood? He was the wildcard, persistent and charming, but
