Chapter 53

Clair tossed herself onto the bed, her fingers clenching the sheets tightly as if trying to anchor herself. Her body trembled slightly, a result of the anxiety and frustration that had been brewing inside her.

"Calm down, Clair," she muttered, taking deep, measured breaths. "Everything will be alright. As long as I don't get married, everyone will be alright. No one can hurt us." She repeated the mantra, trying to soothe herself and stave off the creeping sense of dread.

As she closed her eyes, attempting to push away her intrusive thoughts, a face appeared in her mind's eye. The image startled her, causing her to snap her eyes open. The foreboding expression of the face lingered, deepening her frown. "What was that?!" she gasped, sitting up in bed, her heart racing.

After a moment of suspicion, she closed her eyes again, only to see Cyrus's face once more. His gentle features seemed to float before her, and his soft voice echoed in her ears, making her gulp nervo