Selene’s POV

Outside the mall, I was already waiting in the car. Caius slid behind the wheel without a word and drove us back.

He parked in the garage, stepped out first, and opened my door.

“Selene.” His voice cut through the silence as I turned toward my apartment. He came closer, his presence heavy, suffocating.

“I don’t want to see you with Chris again. He’s not good for you. You know that. Stop seeing him.”

I stayed quiet. My chest ached, torn. “Chris is my friend. He was my friend before I knew you. Even if he’s a scumbag now, I can’t just abandon him.”

“Why don’t you ever...