Ayla
I took a deep breath of the cold rooftop air, letting the oxygen sting my lungs until the tightness in my chest finally loosened a little. My hands were still shaking. I looked down at the ring on my finger—a symbol of stability, a promise that my life would be fine as long as I just followed the path set by my adoptive parents and Rhett.
I couldn’t let River break me. Not again.
I rubbed my face hard, straightened my hair, and forced on the blank expression I’d spent months practicing. I had to go back down. If I stayed hidden, he’d know exactly how much his presence was getting to me. I wasn’t going to give him that satisfaction.
My legs felt heavy as I walked into the office, but I kept my head high. I sat at my desk without so much as a glance at the table next to mine. I coul
