Chapter 23

A sigh of relief escaped my lips as Clyde exited the room. At last, I found myself alone, free from the oppressive presence that had been weighing on me. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders, if only for a fleeting moment.

I allowed myself a moment to bask in the tranquility that now enveloped the room. The tension that had been steadily building within me began to dissipate. I closed my eyes and took a deep, steadying breath, willing my racing heart to slow its frantic pace.

"Thank goodness he’s gone," I whispered under my breath, my voice barely audible in the empty room. The gravity of the situation began to sink in, weighing heavily on my mind and heart. It was just a kiss, but its implications left me feeling vulnerable and exposed, as if my very essence had been laid bare.

As I paced back and forth, my thoughts raced like a wild stallion, galloping through the vast expanse of my mind. Emotions surged within me, threatening to consume my every thought. I