MARIA.
I was fed up with everything.
Every second I remained seated at that table felt like torture. The suffocating atmosphere, Vincent's presence, the constant need to watch every word and every expression—it was all becoming too much for me to bear.
Still, I couldn't just get up and leave abruptly. That would only make Vincent suspicious, and the last thing I wanted was his attention focused on me.
So I forced myself to remain calm.
I offered a polite excuse, carefully masking my frustration, before finally stepping away from the table.
The moment I was out of the dining area, I felt a small sense of relief wash over me.
I just wanted to be home…back with Noah…back in the only place that still felt safe.
Taking a deep breath, I made my way into the garden.
