Hailey's POV
The penthouse felt too quiet after the chaos.
I stood in the foyer, still in my wedding dress, exhaustion weighing down every bone in my body. The reception had lasted hours after the confrontation with Floyd. Endless rounds of fake smiles, forced laughter, congratulations from people whose names I'd already forgotten. Maxwell's hands on me constantly, my lower back, my waist, my shoulder, while I pretended not to notice how his touch sent electricity racing through my veins.
My feet ached in these ridiculous heels. My face hurt from smiling. My entire body felt like it might collapse at any moment.
"Take it off." Maxwell's voice came from behind me.
I turned slowly, the heavy fabric of my dress shifting with the movement. He'd already removed his jacket and tie, his cris
