ARIANA

I felt her nails dig deeper into my cheeks, the sting making my eyes water. My heart raced, not just from fear but from the rising irritation building inside me. I couldn’t take much more of this. Gathering my strength, I grabbed her wrists, pushing her hands away with a firm, controlled force.

“Listen, woman,” I snapped, my voice laced with irritation. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, and frankly, I don’t care! Whatever your husband and—" I stopped myself just in time, the name 'Skyler' nearly slipping out. My heart pounded in my chest, but I couldn't let her see my slip-up. Her eyes narrowed, and she...