Chapter 14

I spent my days curled up on the window seat, watching the snow fall. Nathan would try to engage, but I could barely muster the energy to respond. The silence felt safer than whatever this twisted reality had become.

“What would make you happy?” he asked one evening, his voice dripping with false concern.

I glanced up from my book. “I miss Lucy. Could I see her?”

He smiled that practiced smile. “You’re still recovering. Why not have her visit instead?”

My heart skipped – a possibility I hadn’t dared hope for. “Really?”

He brushed my hair back, a gesture that once brought comfort but now made my skin crawl. “Anything for you,

sweetheart.”

True to his word, he brought Lucy up the mountain the next day.

She rushed to hug me, her warmth so familiar it hurt. “Emma! God, so this is where you’ve been hiding – some fancy

mountain retreat!”

her tight, joy and terror

folded note, Nathan’s casual question stopped

whole family to go all in! We’ve even

pull out on us!” She laughed, the sound echoing off the high ceilings. “Or we’re completely

wavered. “Of course not. Emma’s friends are

was crystal clear.

turned to me, all warmth and concern. “Isn’t it nice having

I nodded mechanically.

days later, he brought

you were hooked up to

all too well – the gambling father, brother in prison, autistic son. Her salary kept them

Not for any of

the snow, the fresh powder making everything look deceptively peaceful. Our laughter carried across the grounds – probably the only genuine sound this place had heard in weeks.

06:49

Love, Seven Minutes fru

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255