022

Words That Cut Deep

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Astor’s face was stone, his grey-brown eyes piercing as he stood in the middle of the living room. Charlotte felt the weight of his gaze, and it was suffocating.

“How could you let him in?” Astor’s voice was sharp, cutting through the tense silence.

Charlotte crossed her arms defensively, her heart pounding in her chest. “I didn’t let him in, Astor,” she said, her voice shaking slightly. “I didn’t even know he was here until—”

“Until what?” Astor interrupted, stepping closer. “Until he tried to ruin everything? Until he threatened my daughter’s safety?”

Charlotte flinched, the emphasis on my daughter like a slap to...