Elias’s POV
I grabbed Maria by the wrist, not roughly, but firmly enough for her to know I wasn’t in the mood to be pacified or ignored. Her footsteps echoed behind me, those damn heels clicking on the marble with every step, each one grating against my nerves like nails on glass.
She followed me silently, dumbly, offering no resistance, just like always. That silence used to be peaceful. Now it was maddening.
When we reached the living room, I all but tossed her onto the couch. A small, breathy huff escaped her lips, and I froze for a moment. It was the first sound I’d heard from her in what felt like years. Not even a cough or a sneeze.
Her eyes went wide, confused, but she stayed seated. That only pissed me off more.
And for the first time in my life, I resented that she was deaf.
