Chapter 145

Lauren's POV

My head rested against the glass of the window as Roman drove out of the compound. The hum of the engine filled the silence between us, steady and low, like the rhythm of a heart that refused to slow down. I exhaled softly, watching the city roll by — houses, trees, morning joggers, everything so calm and ordinary, except for the strange tension lingering inside me.

Roman didn’t come with his driver today. He said he wanted to “personally” take us to school and work, but I wasn’t foolish enough to believe it was purely out of kindness. This was Roman — persistent, stubborn, and far too good at getting what he wanted.

My own car sat perfectly fine in the driveway, keys ready on the console. I could have driven myself and Aria, but somehow, between the few minutes I went upstairs to get dressed, Roman managed to bribe my daughter into siding with him.

I smiled faintly at the memory, though it wasn’t out of amusement, it was disbeli