Chapter 62

Ian's body sunk into the bed, the worn upholstery offering little comfort as he processed the weight of his recent actions. The echoes of the adrenaline-fueled confrontation reverberated in his mind like a relentless drumbeat, each thud reminding him of the choices that had led them to this precarious moment.

Ashley, still reeling from the shock, sat opposite him. Her eyes, wide and wary, held a mixture of fear and confusion. The silence between them was palpable, pregnant with unspoken words that hung heavy in the air. The room that was filled with warm and fuzzy feelings before felt more like a battleground, he accepted the fault.

With a heavy sigh, Ian broke the silence again, his voice carrying the burden of self-reproach. "I didn't want you to feel unsafe, but I should have handled that differently."

Ashley's gaze lingered on him, her eyes probing for a deeper understanding. The room seemed to contract around them as they grappled with the repercussions of his impulsive decision.