Xavier’s POV
Hearing the door slam, I flinched, nearly spilling the porridge I was preparing for Ashlyn.
Wiping my hands on a towel, I called out, “Ashlyn, is that you?”
Silence.
Switching off the stove, I stepped out of the kitchen to find her sitting on the couch, her gaze distant and unfocused.
“How was the ride?” I asked as I approached, but she didn’t answer.
Frowning, I moved closer and stood in front of her. Her eyes lifted to meet mine, and I froze. Tears streamed silently down her cheeks, her face pale and distraught.
A pang of panic shot through me. Dropping to my knees before her, I cupped her hands gently. “What happened? Did someone say something? Did Evan—”
Her voice, fragile yet piercing, interrupted me. “Why are you letting them do this?”
“What do you mean?” I a
