Chapter 17
The resounding slap cut through the air like a crack of thunder, sending shockwaves rippling through the room. Alessandro staggered back, stunned by the unexpected blow, while Grace stood frozen in disbelief, her hand still tingling with the lingering sensation of impact. She couldn't believe what she had just done—it felt liberating, empowering even, to finally unleash the pent-up fury that had simmered beneath the surface for so long.
But as the initial rush of adrenaline began to ebb away, a wave of apprehension washed over Grace like a chill wind, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. She had never struck anyone before, let alone Alessandro, and the realization of her own actions left her reeling with a sense of guilt and disbelief.
"Get out!" she his
