Her thoughts raced as she tightened her hold on him, the anger bubbling under the surface like molten lava. This depth of betrayal, she thought, her nails subtly digging into her own palm to keep her composure. Aron, you bastard. You think you can mess with my family?
Ray shifted slightly in her arms, looking up at her with a hint of confusion. "Esme?" he murmured, his voice uncertain.
Esme smiled down at him—a soft, reassuring smile that masked the tempest raging within. "Don't worry, honey," she whispered, her tone gentle. "Everything's fine now."
But inside, her resolve solidified like tempered steel. Aron, you won't get away with this. You'll see what I can do. You'll regret ever daring to meddle in my life.
As she pulled back from the hug, her hand lightly brushed Ray's cheek, her touch warm and affectionate. "You just focus on resting," she said softly. "Let me handle the rest."