Chapter 44: Amelia’s Vulnerability

As I sat alone in the living room's dark light, the world seemed unreasonably weighty. Ryan's sly grin continued to nag at me, his covert threats and deceptions like an unwanted visitor. After their furious discussion, Andrew hadrmed off, his protective instincts taking over as he tried to manage whatever Ryan had planned.

The quiet was deafening now.

As I took a drink of my tea, the heat did little to relieve the chill that had descended upon me. I detested how weak I felt, and my hands shook a little. Shouldn't I be stronger in light of everything? A tap on the door, however, disturbed the silence.

"Amelia?" Through the wood, Andrew's voice murmured.

Uncertain if I wanted to confront him, I paused. I sighed, though, and moved across the room to let him in.

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As usual, Andrew's presence filled the room as he entered. His eyes were softer—gentler—but his face had deeper than usual creases, and he appeared exhausted.

His voice was low as he questioned, "Are you okay?"