Chapter Seventeen

The sun was beginning its descent on the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the quiet suburban neighborhood. As evening approached, the air became thick with tension, an unspoken current that could be felt by anyone within its grasp. Among the neatly lined houses stood a beautiful, white picket-fenced abode, the epitome of domestic tranquility.

Inside, the atmosphere was laden with unease that clung to the walls like a heavy fog. Ivan had been restless ever since evening was approaching. Shawn would be walking into the apartment a few minutes from now. This would be the second time he would be seeing Shawn within 48 hours. It feels so real that it physically makes him feel sick. Sick of pretending he didn't want Shawn, sick of pretending to Sera, sick of what Shawn had asked him to do.

As Sera walked toward the dining table, putting things in order for Shawn's arrival, she couldn't help but notice Ivan's tense mood. She furrowed her brow as she watched him. "Honey bunny, are yo