Jennifer’s POV
The drive was quiet. Too quiet.
The trees outside blurred past like endless shadows stitched into the night, tall spires standing like guards along the winding road. I leaned against the seat, pretending to sleep so I wouldn’t have to look at him. But I wasn’t asleep. Not even close. My body was stiff, restless, and something in my chest kept twisting, as if my heart didn’t know whether it should be relieved or broken.
Jack didn’t speak either. He kept his eyes on the road, his hands gripping the wheel with that steady calm he wore like armor. No sighs. No fidgeting. Not even a glance at me. Just the hum of the engine, the crunch of tires on gravel, and the occasional hoot of an owl somewhere deep in the woods.
I told myself this was what I wanted. To leave. To start ove
