I slammed the front door behind me, leaning against it for support as the tears I had been holding back all evening finally spilled over. The grand hallway of Zayn's mansion, with its marble floors and high ceilings, seemed to mock my misery. The place that once felt like a haven now felt cold and empty, echoing my loneliness.
I kicked off my heels, not caring where they landed, and let my coat slip off my shoulders, dropping it carelessly on the floor. Everything felt heavy—the air, my thoughts, even my body as I dragged myself through the quiet house.
As I wandered into the living room, I couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped, like the walls were closing in on me.
I was hurt and miserable. Confused and pained.
The crystal chandelier overhead sparkled like nothing was wrong, but everything felt wrong.
I felt wrong.
What did I ever do to deserve this? Why didn't I learn? From Hailey, to my mother, to my family.