XV

REBECCA

The tray of food beckoned me with its tantalizing aroma, causing my stomach to protest loudly. Yet, as I glanced back at the closed door, my heart raced in anticipation, fearing the return of Artemy, ready to drag me back into the dreaded basement.

To my relief, he didn't burst through the door, and I found solace leaning against the headboard, my gaze falling upon my bandaged wrist. Artemy had taken the time to wrap it, and he had also brought me food, offering an apology for his actions. Conflicting emotions surged within me. Fear lingered, but his unexpected kindness touched me deeply. Was he truly sincere?

A silent plea echoed in my mind, desperately hoping he meant it.

Running my thumb over the bandage, I reminisced about the way he delicately kissed my wrists, as though afraid of causing me harm. It shattered my preconceptions of him as a callous individual. Remorse and guilt had flickered in his eyes, but doubts gnawed at me. Did his remorse stem from genuine regret