Exhance cosmetics store.

Charles sigh.

He wanted to scream, to unleash the storm raging inside him, but his voice refused to break free.

Instead, he bit into his lower lip, hard enough to sting, forcing himself to stay silent.

"I'll just let this pass by," Charles mumbled to himself, though the words felt hollow.

His throat tightened as he swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump of frustration, but the ache in his chest refused to fade.

With a loud exhale rolling out from Charles mouth, he sluggishly made his way to the bedroom, his steps dragging as if each one took effort.

Reaching the bedside table, he placed the bundle of cash inside the drawer, before he shut it.

Forcing a smile—one that didn't quite reach his eyes—he turned toward the bathroom.

As Charles stepped inside, his shoulders slumped, exhaustion settling over him like an unbearable weight.