CHAPTER 95
KATYA POV
The walls of my room felt too close. Too small. Too loud. I barely made it back before the tears started.
I came here to rest. Miss Stella's words still echoing but rest was impossible when every breath burned and every thought twisted into something uglier.
The maids' whispers wouldn't stop replaying. I pressed my palms to my ears as if I could push the noise out.
But it was inside me now — deep, heavy, unshakable.
I didn't hear the first knock — or maybe I ignored it. But when it came again, sharper, I froze.
"Katya?" The voice was soft. Careful. Too careful.
Nonna.
My heart lurched. I wasn't ready to see her. Not with those words still eating me alive.
Quickly, I wiped at my face but it was useless. My eyes were puffy, my cheeks damp. If I didn't answer, she'd come in anyway.
