ROWEN

I didn’t speak a word to her for the entire drive. Not even a single glance.

I sat in that back seat with her, my jaw clenched so tightly I could feel the tension grinding in my temples. She didn’t say anything either, just stared ahead like a student about to be sent to the principal’s office. Good. She understood.

The villa lights came into view, casting soft yellow glows against the towering iron gate and ivy-draped stone walls. The moment the car stopped, I stepped out. The gravel crunched beneath my shoes as I moved to her side and opened the door.

She hesitated. Her eyes met mine...