Can't Run from Him

Aurora's heart didn't soften, and neither did Xander have a change of mind.

The morning air in the dining room was thick with tension. Xander sat at the head of the table, his fingers lightly tapping against the surface, while Aurora quietly spread jam over her toast. The silence between them was deafening, and Xander hated it.

Finally, Aurora set her knife down and lifted her gaze to him, her expression unreadable. "I've decided," she said, her voice steady but cold. "I'm leaving this house."

Xander's brows furrowed. He leaned forward slightly. "What?"

"I won't stay here while that man is still in the basement," she stated. "I told you my limits, Xander. You made your choice, and now I'm making mine."

Xander's jaw clenched. "Sweetheart, that doesn't make any sense. This is your home."

Aurora picked up her tea, taking a slow sip before responding. "Not anymore."