Chapter 77

Vera's POV

The evening air was cool and gentle, brushing my face and sweeping my hair back as I sprinted toward the main road. All I wanted was to find a cab and disappear. Just go home. Lock the door. Forget everyone.

But just as I stepped off the curb, strong hands caught me from behind, gripping my shoulders firmly and pulling me into a warm, familiar chest.

"You know what that woman did to me! And you still let her into your house! What were you expecting? That I would smile, shake her hand, and thank her for destroying my life?!" I sobbed, my voice trembling with each word.

He didn’t respond. He just flagged down a cab, opened the door, and helped me inside. Then he slid in beside me and silently offered his shoulder. I leaned into it, letting my tears soak through his shirt. I cried without holding back.

When the cab stopped in front of my house, I stepped out quickly, not giving him the chance to open the door or reach for me. I