chapter 33

Benjamin —-

As I drove Irene back home, there was a heavy silence between us. It was as if the weight of everything that had transpired had finally caught up to us. Irene sat quietly in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. I stole glances at her every now and then, wanting to reach out to her, to comfort her, but the tension between us was palpable.

"Irene, please talk to me," I finally pleaded, unable to bear the silence any longer.

She sighed deeply, her voice barely a whisper. "I just need some time, Benjamin. I need to process everything that's happened."

I nodded, understanding the need for space. "Alright, Irene. Take all the time you need. But remember, I'm here for you, no matter what."

We arrived at the mansion, and I watched as Irene mustered a smile for Sofia, who was waiting eagerly at the front door. My heart ached at the sight of the pain hidden behind her eyes. She was trying so hard