Chapter 98

VALENTINA As I walked, the hallway seemed to blur a little. The discomfort behind my eyes was beginning to return. My muscles were sore, my heart felt heavy, and my whole body seemed to be yearning for quiet. Although I stood strong and steadfast against those bullies, I was a broken mess within. And it always returns with loneliness. Even if I didn't want to admit it, those words of Sienna hit so deep and perhaps rang true at some point. I do prefer death to this cursed life… By the time I reached my chambers, I wanted nothing more than to collapse, but as soon as I closed the door behind me, my phone rang, breaking the silence. Father. I took a steady breath and walked over to the bed. He was video calling, so I had to recheck my face before answering the call. The moment I answered the call, I felt the air shimmer, and his image appeared on the screen. Handsome, dominant, but with that subtle concern in his eyes only I knew how to read. “Valentina,” he said, his voice low but firm.