Miles was standing at the entrance.
When he saw me, he froze.
Then he rushed over, reaching for me but hesitating—like he was afraid of hurting me further.
"What happened? Where did these injuries come from?"
I didn't look at him. Didn't answer. Just kept my eyes down and walked forward, one agonizing step at a time.
How did I end up like this?
The man I'd loved with everything I had for four years—how could he let me fall this far?
What a joke.
He followed behind me, his footsteps quickening, his tone sharpening with impatience.
"Marilyn, how long are you going to keep this up?"
I stopped dead in my tracks. Slowly turned to face him.
"Miles. Am I the one causing problems here?"
His mouth opened. Closed. Not a single word came out.
The silence stretched on until he finally managed:
"You should have told me you were coming."
"And about Stacy—I can explain everything."
Before I could respond, he kept going.
"My mother has always wanted me to marry someone from a suitable family. Stacy fits the bill."
"What you saw between us? It's all an act for my family. Once this charade is over, I'll marry you. I promise."
My gaze dropped to the bracelet on my wrist. I said nothing.