Bella's POV
"What the hell are you doing, Serena?" Derek's voice cut through the tension like a blade as he clamped his palm across her mouth. "She's deliberately trying to drive a wedge between us," he growled, forcibly dragging her from the room.
The instant they vanished through the doorway, the air became suffocating.
I stood frozen, uncertain where to position myself, what thoughts to entertain, or how to halt the sensation of my world crumbling beneath my feet.
"Would you like to sit? Maybe catch your breath?" Hugo's voice carried genuine concern.
"I need to leave this place." I refused to meet his gaze, simply shaking my head firmly.
"I don't care if the hurricane carries me off, I cannot remain in this house another moment." My voice fractured as I lunged toward the door, but Hugo's reflexes proved quicker, his palm slamming against the wooden frame, blocking my escape route.
