Chapter 17

Elena's POV I moved downstairs quietly, my shoes in my hand, hoping to slip out before the house came fully alive. My head felt heavy with the memories of last night, and all I wanted was air, space and maybe to hang out with May, just to clear my thoughts. The living room lights were dim. I didn’t notice Eric sitting on the couch until he spoke. “Running away this early?” I froze. He was already dressed, a cup of coffee in his hand, his gaze calm but sharp as it fixed on me. “I wasn’t running away,” I said, slipping my shoes back on. “I just thought…” “It’s the weekend,” he cut in. “You don’t work weekends.” “I wanted to see May,” I countered but before he could respond, the front door slammed open. “Eric!” Bella called as she stormed in, her heels striking the floor like gunshots. Her eyes burned with fury as she marched straight toward him. “How could you do this?” she shouted. “Have you lost your mind?” Eric didn’t flinch. “Lower your voice.” “You demoted Mark!” she yelled. “You hu