CHAPTER 22

(SHEILA’S POV)

"Sheila, when those people arrived today, did you recognize any of them?" Orion's gentle voice reached my ears. It was devoid of any accusation or anger. I understood that he simply sought understanding. I saw concern in his eyes, a silent plea for me to trust him, to let him in

Part of me wanted to pour out my worries to him, to let him shoulder some of the burden that weighed me down. But fear held me back, whispering warnings of potential consequences if I revealed too much. Caught in this internal struggle, I found myself speechless, unable to articulate the tangled mess of thoughts and emotions swirling inside me.

Perhaps he sensed my distress in my silence. Orion's arm wrapped around my shoulder, pulling me into a comforting embrace. His warmth enveloped me, offering a safe haven amidst the storm raging within me. "It's okay, Sheila," he murmured, his voice a soothing melody. "You don't have to talk about it if you're not ready. I'm here for you, no matter what."