PASSION AS AN ESCAPE

Olivia’s POV

I didn’t remember driving home.

One second, I was in the arena parking lot, shaking; the next, I was standing in my apartment with the lights off and the envelope clutched to my chest.

Silence pressed around me like a punishment.

I dropped the envelope on the table. The photos fanned open, faces I loved and hated staring back at me.

My throat burned. I wanted to scream, to tear them apart but I couldn’t even move.

The knock came once.

Then again.

Firm. Familiar.

My heart stuttered.

“Olivia......open the door.”

His voice. Low. Rough.

For a long moment I just stood there, hands trembling. Every reason not to open that door ran through my head—my career, my son, my pride.

But none of them were stronger than the sound of his voice when he said my name again.

I turned the knob.

Xander stood in the hallway, hoodie damp from rain, eyes wild and tired.

He looked wrecked.

So was I.

“What are you doing here?” I whispered.

He didn’t answer at first. His jaw flexed, breath fogging th