Chapter 51

Moments later, I became aware that Steve had taken the driver's seat. I heard him fumbling with the car keys, followed by the familiar roar of the engine starting up. My eyes remained stubbornly closed, refusing to open as I continued to cling to Xavier. He was my anchor, my lifeline, grounding me and keeping the tremors of fear at bay.

"I think the shock is settling in," Xavier said solemnly, and I felt the subtle shift as he swallowed hard. I wondered if the tension in his expression stemmed from anger, acceptance, or perhaps a sense of defeat.

As my body started to involuntarily shake even more, Xavier tightened his arms around me, holding me firmly against his chest. The warmth of his body offered some comfort, but it didn't fully quench the torrent of tears that streamed down my face.

I quickly soaked his white tank undershirt within seconds, yet I couldn't bring myself to stop. There was no suppressing the wave of emotion that engulfed me; I was slowly unrav