Alena and Jason watched as Alicia shook her head, her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Worry flickered in their eyes, fear settling deep in their chests. If Alicia didn’t believe them, she would fall right into Rose’s trap.

  Alena parted her lips to speak, but Alicia turned away, heading for the door. Just as she reached it, she collided with Jeff.

  “Ali… Alici…” Jeff’s voice trembled. His heart pounded so hard it threatened to break his ribs. He forced a smile, but it never reached his eyes.

  Alicia recoiled as if jolted from a dream. Her hands shook, her heart hammering like a war drum. Heat crawled up her face, her breath uneven. What are you thinking? What did you just do? A wave of irritation crashed through her. Her own body had betrayed her.

  “Alic… Alicia… are… are you okay?” Jeff stammered, his voice raw and strained.

  Alicia’s fists tightened, her knuckles almost ghostly pale. She kept her gaze locked on the ground, afraid to meet his eyes. The room around her spun, and a cold shiver ran down her spine.

  “I have to go.” She tried to sound firm, but her voice quivered.

  As she moved past him, Jeff reached out, his fingers brushing against her arm. His shoulders tensed, his jaw clenched.

  “I need to take you somewhere.” He hesitated, then added in a near whisper, “Now.”

  Alicia’s skin prickled beneath his touch. That touch. The one that had always been warm, safe, comforting. But now, it was foreign—cold. Her mind flashed with memories—the shattered glass on the tiled floor, their tangled bodies beneath the blankets… Her upper lip curled.

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  What right does he have to touch me with those filthy hands? Was he trying to take advantage of her lost memories? How shameless.

  Her stomach twisted. Did he even feel remorse?

  She shut her eyes, inhaling sharply, trying to suppress the storm rising inside her.

  “Please,” Jeff’s grip tightened just as she tried to pry his fingers off.

  Does he think I’ll fall for that? She looked up, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes met. He quickly looked away, but not before she caught the shimmer of unshed tears.

  A lump formed in her throat. Don’t… don’t fall for it, Alicia.

  Then, she thought of Rose—how the woman had sobbed, pretending to be a grieving mother, how she had held Alicia’s hands with warmth, guilt glistening in her eyes.

  Liars. Every one of them.

  Alicia bit down hard on her lip to silence the scream clawing its way up her throat.

  She cleared her throat, forcing composure. But Jeff’s touch burned her skin. Disgust churned in her stomach. With careful restraint, she peeled his hand off her arm instead of shoving it away.

  “Fine.” She didn’t look at him as she strode out of the house.

  Jeff stood frozen, watching her silhouette disappear into the darkness. His jaw tightened before he turned to face Alena and Jason.

  Jason exhaled heavily, shaking his head. He met Jeff’s troubled gaze.

  “It didn’t work. She doesn’t believe us.”

  “Rose must have said something,” Alena muttered. Her voice was barely above a whisper, but both Jason and Jeff heard her.

  Jeff’s eyes darkened, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. “Like what?”

  Alena swallowed. “Like not to trust us. She probably told her we’re plotting against her. I know Rose. I know what she’s capable of.”

  Jason’s expression hardened. “Then we need to move forward before it’s too late.” He stepped toward Jeff, gripping his shoulder. “Go ahead with your plan. Alena and I will handle things here. If you don’t return, we’ll come for you.”

  Jeff held Jason’s gaze for a long moment, then gave a single nod before walking away without a word.

  Jason turned to Alena. She met his eyes and nodded back, her expression grim.

  Hey wonderful readers! ??

  thank you all for sticking with me on this journey! ?? I know I haven’t updated in a week, and I truly apologize for the delay. I’ve been caught up in a project that kept me super busy, but I promise I haven’t forgotten about you or the story!

  I’d love to hear your thoughts or reactions! Feel free to share them in the comments—I always enjoy reading them! ???