Chapter 399

Maddy’s POV

I stumbled back against the wall, my breathing ragged. My thoughts raced, a chaotic whirlwind of panic and disbelief. 

What was he doing here? Did he recognize me? Did he know that I knew what he’d done?

I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to steady the frantic beating of my heart. But the unease didn’t fade. I felt exposed, vulnerable, like prey under the gaze of a predator.

The figure in the window didn’t move, but his presence was suffocating. I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was toying with me, letting me know he was aware of my every move.

“I can’t stay here,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I have to get out.”

But where could I go? Layla was asleep, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking in this house. 

I couldn’t just leave her behind, but the thought of staying another night under the same roof as that man made my skin crawl.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as