35
~Bella's POV
At first, I thought I imagined it. My breath hitched as I sat frozen, my fingers digging into my skin. The knocking came again, louder this time. I flinched. Was it Clara? Lisa? Had they come to torment me again?
My heartbeat drummed in my ears. I squeezed my eyes shut, silently praying that if I ignored them, they would go away. But the knocking grew urgent, almost desperate. Whoever it was wasn't leaving.
Taking a shaky breath, I forced myself to my feet, my weak legs barely holding me up. My fingers trembled as I reached for the doorknob. Please don't let it be them.
Slowly, I pulled the door open.
Standing before me was a young man.
He had sharp features, a confident smirk, and dark eyes that held something unreadable. His black suit was perfectly tailored, and the scent of expensive cologne drifted toward me. He looked rich. Powerful. Dangerous.
