Chapter Fourteen

"Easy does it, Emma," a familiar voice rang out, halting Emma in her tracks. She turned, her anxiety replaced with surprise upon seeing Lucas standing beside her. She had assumed he had already left after dropping her off, but there he was, an unexpected source of comfort amidst her turmoil. His expression was unreadable, but Emma found solace in his presence nonetheless.

"Allow me to speak with the guards," Lucas offered, his voice steady and reassuring. Emma nodded, her breath catching in her throat as she closed her eyes, determined to remain composed. She couldn't shake off the shame of being evicted and having Lucas witness it, but she was grateful that he had stayed by her side once again. She took a moment to collect herself, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm the rising panic within her before dialing her phone.

With each ring, Emma's anxiety grew, her heart pounding in her ears like a relentless drumbeat. The first ring ended, and Trevor's familiar voice suggested she