Chapter 135

• Vanessa’s POV
• The tension crackled between us like a live wire, each word laden with the weight of unspoken truths and unresolved emotions. Alfie’s gaze bore into mine with an unnerving intensity, causing the walls I had erected around my heart to tremble, threatened by the vulnerability that lurked just beneath the surface.
• "Stop with your games, Alfie," I began, my voice a low growl of frustration as I tried to steel myself against the emotions threatening to engulf me. "I don't want any part of it, do you understand? I want nothing to do with you or whatever this is that you're playing." I ground out as seriously as I could.