~Nadia
I picked up my phone.
Vanessa’s name sat at the top of my screen, familiar and harmless-looking, like it always had. For a second, my thumb hovered there, ready to call, ready to let her voice soften whatever sharp thing was clawing at my chest.
Then I thought of Lucian’s eyes.
Not angry. Not accusing.
Certain.
I locked the phone.
Calling would give her time. Time to arrange her face. Time to choose the right words. Time to become the Vanessa I’d always believed in.
I didn’t want that version.
I wanted the one who hadn’t known I was coming.
The hallway felt longer than usual as I walked. Every step echoed too loudly in my head, my heartbeat keeping pace. I stopped in front of her door and stared at it for a moment, steadying myself.
I knocked once.
No answer.
I knocked
