Annabelle froze, her heart pounding. She couldn’t go through with this. Not today. She turned swiftly, hoping to escape before anyone noticed. Her mind raced for an excuse she could use to justify skipping school, but before she could make it far, she collided with a firm chest.
"Where do you think you’re going?"
Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up to see Sebastian. His grey eyes bore into hers, filled with concern and something else—something she didn’t dare name.
"I..." Words failed her. The heat of his presence, so close and so steady, sent her into a whirlwind of confusion.
Sebastian’s gaze swept over her, his brow furrowing slightly. "Are you okay?" he asked, his tone low, almost tender.
Annabelle stiffened, trying to regain her composure. "I—yes. I just...
