Chapter 30

• As Charlotte closed the door to her apartment, she let out a long, shaky breath, the sound echoing softly in the stillness. The moment the door clicked shut, it felt as if the weight of the night slipped from her shoulders, yet a lingering tension remained, coiling tightly in her chest. She quickly leaned against the door, her heart pounding not just from the evening’s events but from the very real fear of what might happen if Damien had heard the unmistakable sounds of Leo inside.
• “Get a grip,” she whispered to herself, shaking her head as she took in the familiar warmth of her home. The walls were lined with memories, small pieces of her life that reflected joy and stability, yet in this moment, they felt fragile amidst the chaos that had unfolded earlier.
• Steeling herself, she stepped further into the apartment, absorbing the soft glow of the lamps that illuminated the living space. The sounds of light chattering and playful giggles from the living room reminded her that she was not alone. Leo’s laughter rang like music in her ears, beckoning her with its innocence and warmth. Oh, how she longed for the sweet sound to drown out the echoes of fear and memories of Damien.