Chapter 47. Broken Paradise

Evelyn

My body seized at his words, a vice gripping my throat, my chest tightening as my heart pounded against my ribcage, threatening to burst forth. How was I supposed to react to this misunderstanding? The logical choice screamed for clarity, for truth to sever through the fog of confusion enveloping us. But inexplicably, I found myself mute, incapable of articulating even a single syllable. I stood there, stunned and speechless.

Telling him the truth would the best option but why couldn’t I speak? What was wrong with me?

A chilling fear slithered up my skin.

Was he serious? He couldn’t be.

God, what was I supposed to do?

“Jacob, what are you talking about? Please, listen to me—” I managed to let out as I ventured closer, reaching for his hand, but he jerked away, putting distance between us before finally facing me. It hurt how he recoiled as if my touch disgusted him.

This Jacob in front of me…he didn’t even look like the tiniest