Every touch warned me to run.

Every breath begged me to stay.

—-

Lily's PoV

Tears blurred my vision as I fled the room, my sobs muffled by the cold walls. I stumbled down the stairs and crashed into Alex’s father, the unexpected contact knocking the breath out of me.

His hands steadied me, warm and firm, but his voice was low, surprisingly gentle.

“Careful. Watch your step.”

I blinked away the sting in my eyes and forced a smile, nodding. He didn’t press further, but I caught the flicker of concern lurking behind his calm mask. “ Join us for dinner.”

My voice was caught in my throat, I...