Patrick found her in the sitting room, sitting on the arm of the sofa, posture relaxed, back straight, eyes somewhere beyond the window. The stainless-steel bracelet glinted dully on her wrist. He didn’t know the difference. He thought it was still silver. He thought she was still weakened.She wasn’t.He hovered by the doorway a moment before stepping in. His voice was small, careful, the kind of tone a man uses when he finally realises he’s standing on the edge of a cliff, and the ground behind him is gone.“Michelle,” he said.She didn’t look at him. Didn’t blink. Didn’t breathe fast. She was calm now, and that terrified him more than any shout ever had.He swallowed and moved closer, hands open, palms facing her like he was coaxing a wild animal. In truth, he was the one trembling.“I… I want to talk,” he said.Silence.He took another step. No reaction.“Michelle, please. I’m not here to fight. I’m not here to… hurt anything. I want to make things right.”Her gaze shifted, slo
Last Updated : 2026-01-29 Read more