Raisel – POV
I had two days off after working overtime, trying to drown out the noise in my head with busy days and sleepless nights. Nia had left after making dinner, leaving the apartment silent, the kind of silence that pulls memories out of the shadows. I poured myself a glass of wine, despite the doctor’s warnings to steer clear of alcohol and focus on meditation. Like that would silence the chaos inside me.
The phone rang, an unknown number flashing on the screen. I hesitated, then answered.
“Sweetheart... how are you?” The voice slithered through the receiver, reeking of arrogance.
I scoffed. “What the f**k do you want, Alaric?” My voice was venom, dripping with all the hatred I could summon.
“You looked hot in that black dress... why didn’t you wear s**t like that when we were
