Comfort

Alex followed closely behind, his presence a protective shield against the tension radiating from Nicholas.

As they reached the doorway, Nicholas's voice rang out once more.

"This isn't over," he said, his tone laced with dark promise.

Selena didn't look back. She kept walking, her focus on putting as much distance as possible between herself and the man who had turned her world upside down.

But before she stepped out the door she felt the need to say something. What was her goal, to stand up for herself... To become stronger... And even though she was rattled with fear she felt the need to say something.

To prove that he did not affect her, to prove that she was strong. "Nicholas Hawthorne... Zhiyuan... Whoever you may be... In this life and the past... I am dumping you."

Once they were outside, Selena felt the weight on her chest begin to lift. She took a deep breath, the fresh air calming her frayed nerves.