Chapter 9

The early morning downpour had ceased, and River's silhouette was no longer visible outside the window. I breathed a sigh of relief.

I was about to head to the cemetery to visit my parents.

"Faye."

River stood tall behind me, dark circles evident under his eyes, holding a bouquet of roses so red it was jarring to look at.

"Still mad?"

He feigned nonchalance, his eyes twinkling with a forced smile.

I gazed at him silently, my heart now too calm to feel any flutter for him.

"I don't get angry at strangers."

Seeing I was about to leave, he suddenly grabbed my wrist, clearly panicked but trying to act cool.

"Faye, can we stop this nonsense?"

"Let go!"

"Faye, what are you even upset about?"

His facade of deep affection crumbling, he grew impatient. I laughed bitterly, amazed that even now he thought I was just being difficult.

I didn't know where he got such confidence.

I tried my best to control my temper, attempting to free my wrist, but he only gripped tighter.