As promised, Lorie returned home before the sun dipped below the horizon. Her heart pounded as she stepped inside and found Robert waiting in the living room, slouched on the sofa, his face carved with suspicion and frustration.
The sight of him made her blood run cold.
She faltered for a moment but forced a smile, swallowing her fear. This was her shot to gain his trust.
"When did you get home?" she asked cautiously.
"Drop the act," he snapped. "Your fake sweetness won't fool me. Where the hell were you?"
Lorie froze mid-step, her hand tightening around the sides of her skirt. Her mind raced. Had he followed her? Had someone tipped him off?
She couldn't afford to lie.
"I went to see my mother," she said, her voice shaking. "But then… I got a call from my old manager. She wanted to talk. There was an opening at the office. I—I thought maybe I could start working again."
"No," Robert roared, slamming his hand on the armrest. Lorie flinched hard.
