Chapter 133 Awkward moment

"Are you okay?" Aunt Chen's voice floated gently down the hall, filled with the familiar warmth that Stacy had known all her life. 

Stacy stopped in her tracks, feeling the weight of Aunt Chen's concern lingering in the air. She turned slowly, forcing a small smile. 

"I'm fine, Aunt Chen. Don't worry." Her voice was steadier than she felt, a carefully constructed facade. She didn't wait for Aunt Chen's reply. Without another glance, she walked straight to her room.

The door clicked shut behind her, and the silence that followed was suffocating. The energy that had held her upright moments before drained from her body, leaving her feeling hollow. 

She slumped down on the floor, the soft rug under her knees doing nothing to cushion the sharp ache in her chest.