FORTY

NORA

I rushed into the house, shutting the door behind me with a slam. My heart was racing, and I leaned back against the door, my hand pressed against my chest. I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts and the steady blushing mess I was becoming. And then I opened them, looking up and finding myself staring into the stern face of my father.

He was standing in the hallway, his arms crossed over his chest, a scowl on his face.

"Where have you been?" he asked, his voice low and stern. I opened my mouth to answer, but no words came out.

I scratched at the back of my neck, trying to appear casual, but my father's gaze never left my face. I could feel the tension in the room, and I just wanted to escape. But before I could make a move, a maid appeared in the hallway, carrying a tray of tea.

I saw my chance and started to edge away, but my father's voice stopped me in my tracks. "Nora, I’m going to ask again," he said, his voice hard and unyielding. "Where have you been?"

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