Chapter 21

Victor

I nodded, feeling dejected and defeated. "Okay, I'll go," I said quietly, trying to hide the hurt I felt. "Just let me know if you need anything, okay?"

Maddie didn't say anything, and I turned and began to walk away. As I reached the end of the driveway, I heard Maddie's voice behind me. "Thank you, Victor."

I stopped and looked back at her, and for a moment, our eyes met. I saw a flicker of something in her eyes, but I couldn't place it. All the while, this Chandler fellow just kept looking with a smirk on his face. Then she turned and went back into the house.

As I walked down the street, I felt a sense of despair wash over me. I had come here with the best of intentions, and yet I had only made things worse. I wondered if I had been too presumptuous in thinking I could help, and I questioned whether my presence was a burden rather than a comfort.

I considered going back, but I knew it wouldn't do any good. I had to respect Maddie's wishes and give her the space she needed.