Chapter 26 The Rejection

The room felt too narrow, like the walls were leaning in to listen. Rain smeared against the windows, soft and insistent, as if echoing the weight of her decision. Genevieve stood near the unlit fireplace, her posture rigid, arms crossed to anchor herself. She wore a simple black blouse tucked into high-waisted trousers, clothes that made her look sharper, stronger than she felt. Her chestnut hair, usually tied back, was loose and curling in tendrils around her flushed cheeks.