TESSA'S POV

The world seemed to be frozen. My breath hitched in my throat, the basket of apples tumbling from my grasp with a deafening clatter. Shock and anger coiled in my gut, threatening to suffocate me. In the doorway of that room stood Adrian, his face flushed, eyes unfocused, his arms entangled with Giselle's.

"You… you just don't understand,” he slurred, his voice thick with intoxication. "I… I love you."

Then, Giselle turned, her features morphing from surprise to something akin to…triumph? My heart hammered against my ribs as I watched the scene unfold.

As if sensing my presence, Adrian's head snapped up. His gaze met mine, and in...