r the glass of water on her nightstand. She gulped it down, her hands still trembling. The nightmare's remnants clung to h

ts robotic. "Good morning, Mom. Bye, M

stopped her. "Are you seriously going t

o the kitchen, her steps heavy with the weight of her conscience. As she reache

feeling? That was an accident scene! We should have called the police. If I hadn't intervened, he might ha

ted. She went to answer it, leaving Alexis alone. The voices from the ha

ay or face trespassing charges," a

g on? Trespassing? We live here! How can they accuse us

"It's not about the rent. They're expanding the

ation bubbled over. "I paid two months' rent just yesterday! W

with them? It's not worth it. They'll just call the cops, and we can't afford a court battle

sness wash over her but knew she had no choice but to comply. She

spot over the past two months. Something about her pain resonated with Alexis . Sh

ed her emotions. "I'm fine, really." she said l

it out. Keeping it all inside will only make it worse." With those words,

, the exhaustion was evident on her face. But just as

anding nervously behind her. "Can we talk?"

back but nodded slowly.

ly as she tried to find the words. "I just..

ike to carry a heavy burden. "Let's sit down," s

w, of a family torn apart by secrets. Alexis listened quietly realizing that her problems, though dif

f standing outside a luxurious apartment complex,she took the elevator

s whispered to herself, ch

sterile beauty. "Come in. Don't be shy," Kathrine said, pulling Alexis into the

His icy demeanor made Alexis 's stomach twist.

d, his silence like

sing the tension. "He's always like this. I'

doubt

rthouse. Her heart raced as the official handed her a pen, her hand trembling as she s

ied, Mrs. Carrington," the off

ch. As she handed the pen back, her mind r

evident. "Are you ready for your

oice wavered, the reality

grinned, "our

.we agreed they'd get a place to stay

em up and take them to the new place and your younger sister

ry! And my brother is wonderful. Better than

breath caught in her throat. Everything was immaculate-polished,

ily warmly. "Mother! Gran

daughter her hug until she no

nfirmed, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Wh

ll take her to him," he sa

ty, finally asked, "Why didn't anyone tell m

ent. "You should know our family's busines

her tone. "But your sister needed my help. I co

g the door to a grand room. He let Alexis

surprising and overwhelming, f