CHAPTER 50

Jessica couldn’t sleep that night. The fear and tension of the day clung to her like a suffocating blanket. She tossed and turned, her mind racing with thoughts of her father, Philip, and the mess she found herself in. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched, that at any moment, something terrible would happen. Every creak of the floorboards and rustle of the wind outside sent her heart into a frantic rhythm.

By morning, she felt drained, the restless night leaving her more exhausted than before. She dragged herself out of bed, going through the motions of getting ready, but her thoughts were still on the ominous conversation she’d had with her father. His threats were clear, and she knew that he wouldn’t hesitate to follow through if she stepped out of line. She had to be careful—very careful.

As she made her way to the kitchen, her phone buzzed on the counter. She froze, her stomach tightening as she saw the caller ID. It was her father.

Jessica hesitated for a mom