Chapter 31 – Lucas' Pov

• The next day, as I returned home after my birthday, I walked into the kitchen and found Zara standing there, wearing an expressionless face that sent shivers down my spine. It was a terrifying sight, to say the least.
• “H-Hi,” I stammered, immediately regretting the lameness of my greeting.
• But she remained silent, treating me like an invisible entity, as if I were nothing more than air. It hurt deeply, leaving me with a lingering sense of guilt.