Elena’s hands were shaking.
She walked fast down the hallway. Her chest felt tight. Her mind would not stop spinning.
Every sound in the house made her jump — the clock, her own steps, the wind outside.
She needed to leave. Only for a while. To breathe.
She picked up her purse and coat near the door. Her eyes moved to the gate outside.
It looked so close, but she knew it was not that easy to walk away.
She reached for the handle, but a voice stopped her.
“Where are you going?”
Her heart jumped.
Marco was standing near the stairs. His face was cold. His eyes were hard.
“I…” she tried to speak, her voice soft. “I’m only going out for some air.”
Marco shook his head. “Lucian didn’t say you could leave.”
Elena frowned. “I don’t need permission just to breathe.”
Marco took a slow s
