Chapter 98

CHLOE’S POV

I didn’t go far.

Just down the stairs, through the glass doors, and into the small courtyard behind the building the one with two benches, a few potted plants, and a fountain that never seemed to work.

It was quiet enough.

I sat on the edge of one bench, hands clasped between my knees, breathing in the cool air. It felt steadier out here. Less charged. Like the world had softened just enough for me to stop pretending.

For a moment, I just sat there.

Listening. Breathing. Trying not to feel everything at once.

But of course, that was impossible.

Because the moment I let my guard drop, the emotions I’d been holding back all morning came rushing forward…. not violently, not painfully, just… honestly.

Like a tide I’d been standing against for too long.

I rested my elbows on my thighs and lowered my head, eyes stinging just a little.

Not from sadness.

From relief.

From finally letting myself admit even just in silence that I wasn’t okay.

That I was overwhelmed. That I was con