~Aaron~

I watched as she tensed immediately, her body stiff under the shirt. Her phone slipped from her hand and hit the island surface with a dull thud as she turned around to face me.

Her face had gone pale, her expression blank, and whatever spark had been in her eyes earlier had vanished. Unease crept into my chest as I narrowed my eyes, watching her take slow, deliberate steps toward me.

“Joan, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice low as she sat on the stool, her fingers intertwining tightly. From where I stood, I could see them trembling.

I moved closer, my mind racing, unsure of what I...