Chapter 6

The clock on the wall ticked steadily. Each passing second only deepened the unease that clawed at Noelle’s chest. She sat at the dining table with her hands resting on her lap and fingers twisting nervously. The food she had prepared hours ago sat untouched, now cold and unappetizing. Her eyes flicked to the clock again—10:05 PM.

Adrian still wasn’t home.

Noelle’s phone sat on the table beside her with its screen staying dark and silent. She had checked it dozens of times, hoping for a message, a missed call or anything to explain why he was late. But there was nothing. Not a single word from him.

She let out a shaky breath as her anxiety began bubbling to the surface. It wasn’t the first time he’d been late, but tonight felt different. Her mind was in a storm of thoughts with each one more painful than the last.

’What if he’s with her?’

The image of Bianca kissing Adrian earlier today flashed through her mind like a cruel taunt. Noelle clenched her fi