Chapter 98

• CAMILLE'S POV
• I stepped outside for some air. The air in the lounge somehow felt stifling. It was thick with unspoken tensions and probing stares, and it didn't get any better until I found my way into the garden. The cool morning breeze provided little relief as I gasped for breath, my chest constricting tighter with every inhale.
• I wanted to scream, to release the anguish welling up inside me, but I couldn't even find the strength to do it. The most I could do was crumple onto a nearby bench; my body wracked with silent sobs as hot tears streamed down my cheeks.