Chapter 23

Anna’s POV

When we walked into the living room, Mom and Dad were already seated, their voices low but sharp, whispering fiercely, Dad’s hand on her arm like he was trying to calm her, but she was stiff all over, her chest heaving. My stomach felt like it was folding in on itself.

“Mom… Dad…” Ryan began, his voice steady while my own body was trembling so badly I thought they’d see it from across the room. I stayed behind him, wanting to hide but knowing there was nowhere to hide.

When they looked up, the disappointment on their faces hit me so hard I almost couldn’t breathe.

“You both, what was that up there?” Dad’s voice was calm but deadly, like a warning before a storm.

I couldn’t even swallow, let alone speak.

“Ryan,” Mom’s voice cracked as she leaned forward, her eyes wide with fury and hurt. “I left your sister in your care. To protect her. To watch over her while she’s here schooling. I trusted you with her! And it hasn’t even been a