Chapter 19

Caroline's heart clenched tight, and every muscle in her body tensed. She said, "Bradley, you…" Bradley stood outside the room, a faint smile she had never seen before tugging at his lips. It was twisted, and it was the kind of smile that belonged to someone who thought he owned the world. "Where are you going, Carol?" He leaned in, his breath brushing against the shell of her ear. It was soft, venomous, like the flick of a serpent's tongue, making her limbs grow numb. "Didn't you say you would stay with me?" Her mind raced, grasping for a plausible excuse. "My university is organizing a charity sale. I was going to donate a few old things I don't need anymore…" "Is that so?" His gaze lingered on her face for a few seconds. The intensity of the gaze made her panic, as if he could see through his lies, exposing the deepest fear buried in her heart. "You've always had such a kind heart. But did you know? You never look me in the eyes when you lie." "Brad…" She didn't finish voicing