how it all
thmic, echoed through the grand ha
unding, not from nerves, but from something d
en
ion, ev
voice boomed, drowning
gregation. The murmurs of con
the entrance, my hand sl
continued,
f Ziknis Corporation, is present here. Make yourself visible immedi
reath lef
fat
couldn't move.
f fabric as my father stood from his
ght of the accusation, "I am Williams Parker, but
ark civilian clothes, tilted his
a pair of silver handcuffs, the m
ffs locking around my father's
he heavy layers of my gown dragging against th
urned, leading him towards the exit as though
in the folds of my dress. My pulse roar
foot t
d rushed
y hands scraping against the cold surface. My
n, I lifted my gaze, just in
n't re
n't fi
e me a small, w
rything will be f
he wa
hat, my world b
.
ween Ryan and I
He sent flowers–roses, lilies, even food p
out warnin
calls. No e
essing down on me like chains. My mother and I fought endlessly to prove m
ternal investigation. Friends we on
ed through every news outl
he last bouquet Ryan had sent, now wilted an
phone and dia
. Once.
en
el
as casual.
oat dry. "Ryan... W
lly. "It's been ages! How are yo
tretched
n't a
to feel the weight of my
phone and just got a new one yesterda
pa
jaw. "You lo
pear on you. Work has been insan
is voice didn't s
ted to be
me", I admitted, my voi
lmost hurt. "Phina, you're
an to form in them as I
inued, "I'm on my
nking rapidly out of surp
ve a better idea. Let's g
sita
e. But Ryan's voice was warm and
urmured. "D
.
laining of traffic. By the time we caught up
kering past the window. I leaned against
oint, I d
woke up, rubbing my eyes while b
fancy dinner spot. Just an abando
t up. "Ryan...
dn't reach his eyes.
ing wa
my side, opening the door. I h
s stretching across the floor. The air smeles with his hands,
something planned," I murmur
e", he whispered
en
Dim, fl
nds dr
I fr
of me, dressed in sharp black suits
ng dread curled
my pulse hammeri
etween us. His posture shifted. He
sion had c
t. Unf
clenche
slowly, t
y, Seraph
. He sw
to do
ss his words before the me