Chapter 86

Eliana

"You would be dead, forgotten, and buried." Nick's words replayed in my mind for the entire night. I wet my pillow with my tears until I had no more left to express the gnawing feeling inside my chest. By the time I got out of bed the next morning, my throat felt so dry and sore. I couldn't stand looking at my reflection in the mirror without gagging. My eyes were puffy, with dried tears visible on my red cheeks. My nose appeared swollen, and I struggled to breathe through the blocked nostrils.

"Honey, your tea is ready." Nanny's voice came after she knocked on the door. How she knew I had slept in the guestroom was beyond me, but I could really use some hot herbal tea.

"I'm coming," I replied in the strongest voice I could master. After taking a quick shower, I went downstairs with my phone in my hand. I looked at it severally, chastising myself for almost anticipating Nick's call or text message. His previous harsh words had sliced across my heart, and they continued to do so.