Chapter 80

The next morning arrived, but Jacob hadn’t slept a minute. He’d spent the entire night in the library, too ashamed to face Shelly, too broken to climb those stairs. But as the first light crept through the windows, he finally found the strength. Quietly, he walked upstairs and stood outside her door. He knocked gently. Once, twice—still no response. After several attempts, he heard the faint click of the lock. He opened the door slowly and stepped inside. Shelly sat on the edge of the bed. Her face was pale and swollen, her eyes red from crying. It was clear she hadn’t slept either. Jacob dropped to his knees in front of her and took her hand. “Shelly, I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I made a mistake,” he said softly. She didn’t respond. Her gaze remained fixed on the floor, as if he weren’t even there. “Please,” Jacob pleaded. “Say something.” A long pause passed before her tired, hollow voice broke the silence. “What am I supposed to say?” “Say anything,” he whispered. “Just don’t shut