Chapter 40. All Hell Breaks Loose

“I’m so sorry, Emilia. I can’t even imagine how disappointed you must feel right now.”

She blew her nose into a tissue and acknowledged Matt’s comment with a nod. She was too broken to even speak. She was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted.

“Let’s just go back to the hotel, OK? You need to rest.”

“Of course,” she sighed and leaned back on the chair.

Matt drove them back and the ride was a silent one. At this point, Emilia was ready to give up the search permanently and finally accept the hard truth that she would never see Tiara again.

When they arrived at the hotel, Matt took her to her room and asked her if she wanted anything.

“Stay with me,” she whispered. “I don’t want to be alone.”

“Are you scared?”

“No. I think I’ll lose my mind if I have to stay here by myself all night.”

“OK. I’ll stay. Are you hungry?”

“No.”

“You have to eat something, Emilia. You barely touched your burger the other time and yo