The Divorce Prescription

Hailey stared out the window at the heavy downpour, unsure how she would manage to get back to campus in such a storm.

Aileen said, "Hailey, it's too dangerous to go out in this weather. You should stay here tonight."

"Absolutely," Pamela added. "Feel free to stay here and sleep in Aileen's room."

Pamela genuinely liked Hailey, but as an elder, she was mindful of boundaries. She wouldn't allow Hailey to stay in Declan's room.

Hailey nodded in agreement. "Looks like I'm staying with you tonight, Aileen." Aileen beamed and linked arms with Hailey. "Come on, I'll show you to the room."

As Hailey stepped into Aileen's room, Aileen handed her a fresh nightgown. "It's brand new. You can wear it."

Hailey took it gratefully. "Thanks a lot, Aileen."

"Feel free to take a shower first," Aileen suggested.

The house had three small rooms-Pamela's, Declan's, and Aileen's-and the bathroom was shared by all.

Hailey clutched the nightgown as she made her way to the door. "Alright, I'll go take a shower now."

As she stepped out, she bumped into Declan. "Declan, it's pouring outside, so I'll be staying here tonight. Don't worry, I'll behave and won't cause any trouble."

his gaze back to her.

him teasingly. "With you,

for a moment, clearly

with you. I'll be sharing a room with Aileen! Anyway, I'm

quickly turned and

within him. He knew Hailey was only teasing him, but the way she did it left him feeling unsettled. Didn't she realize the danger of toying with him like

deafening boom rang out as lightning struck, followed by Hailey's

his glass of water and rushed to the bathroom

There was no answer.

the doorknob and swung the

his throat as he saw her sprawled on the floor, having

state-most of her clothes had come off, leaving large portions of her delicate skin exposed, a sight so dazzling

went dry, and he

her clothes and

fear of rats. One had startled her, causing her to lose her balance and

quickly turned his gaze away. "Where's the

"It's over there! It's so scary! Declan, I'm

rat scurried out from the corner, heading straight for