Ashley's POV
"I'm so glad to be out of there," I said, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.
"I can tell," Aunt Vicky replied, her eyes fixed on me. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
I laughed, a dry, humorless sound. "I feel like I have."
The drive to Aunt Vicky's house was a silent one, the only sound being the hum of the engine and the soft music playing in the background.
My phone rang a few times, showing Christian was calling, but I refused to pick up. Finally, we arrived at her house, and I sank into the sofa, enjoying the warmth and homey smells of her house.
I could see that she wanted to ask me questions, but she was waiting for me to open up, so it wouldn't seem like she was prying, and for that, I was grateful.
"Aunt Vicky, is it okay if I take a shower first?" I a
