Upon waking, Dahlia was immediately engulfed in searing pain coursing through her entire body, concentrated particularly in a sensitive area. Memories of Carter’s actions flooded her mind, though the details were a haze. She felt tears welling up, overwhelmed by a sense of degradation caused by Carter. It was unbearable, tearing at her heart.
Her attention snapped to the door as it creaked open, revealing Carter’s figure. He approached and sat beside her, causing her to recoil in alarm. Tremors shook her hands and knees as fear gripped her relentlessly, certain he could see her distress plain as day.
"Don't... come closer," she managed to murmur, avoiding his gaze. "Please... just this once, stay away from me."
Carter remained silent, only his heavy breaths breaking the quiet, hinting a
