The hallway was quiet now, too quiet. Georgia stood frozen, staring at the shadow that had just slipped away with that cruel laugh.
"You scared me..." she whispered to one of the guards standing there, her voice breaking slightly.
Why had he pretended? Why had he scared her like that?
She wanted to crumble to the floor, but pride, stubborn, burning pride, held her upright. She had no one to lean on. Not really. Jared had tried. But even with him, she didn't want to be seen as weak.
Not again.
Not by anyone.
Later that evening, the staff moved around her like she was invisible. When she reached for her portion at the kitchen door, the cook, usually indifferent, stepped back and folded his arms.
"You've already eaten," he said flatly.
"I haven't," Georgia replied, c
