Chapter forty four
My legs moved on autopilot, carrying me back to the room in a determined stride. I ignored the greetings of the bowing staff, their concerned glances only intensifying the turmoil within me. Damian followed close behind, his presence a constant reminder of the fractured bond between us.
Reaching the doorway, I whirled around my voice tight with anger. "What am I going to do now?" I demanded, the question more directed at myself than him.
Damian stretched out a hand, aiming for my shoulder, but I flinched away, the gesture stinging more than the touch would have. "Annie," he began, concern etching lines on his face, "the situation isn't that bad. All you need to do is stay calm."
"Calm?" I scoffed, my voice laced with bitterness. "How can I be calm when my entire world has been turned upside down?" My tone softened to a pleading whisper, "I want to be alone."