55: What's My Worth?

Lizzie tightened her thin coat around her, but the chill of the late autumn night still penetrated through, sending a shiver down her spine. She should've walked faster, but she didn't. Instead, she trudged on, facing the cold wind without quickening her pace because of Bruno's call. She didn't want to see him. Why did he call her today?

What should’ve been a ten-minute walk had taken Lizzie half an hour. Upon entering the living room, she was choked by the heavy smoke that filled the room. She kicked off her shoes, walked to the window, and opened it. Yet, an uninvited gust of cold wind blew in, causing the sheer curtain to flutter. Lizzie remained silent, opting to stand by the window even though the cold wind made her shiver.

Snuffing out his cigarette, Bruno got up and walked to the window. He wrapped his arms around her from behind. His proximity made her uncomfortable. She tried to wriggle free of his grip, but the more she struggled, the tighter his grip became.

"Where have you