Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 52

The searing heat radiating from his skin against her neck made her dizzy for a moment, only to be quickly swallowed by a deeper sense of nausea and profound sorrow.

She closed her eyes, forcing back the last bit of moisture threatening to spill over.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally arrived at her place. Miles let out a long sigh of relief, parked the car, and awkwardly glanced over his shoulder. "We're here, Randal."

It was as if Randal had just snapped out of a trance. He abruptly let go, pushing Willa away with a subtle but deliberate gesture of self-disgust to create distance between them.

Willa seized the opening, scrambling out of the car and sprinting toward her courtyard as if a monster were chasing her.

Thankfully, Randal didn't follow her. She made up her mind that during her next prison visit, she had to ask her father about Donnie Dawson.

But before visiting day rolled around, a familiar, unwelcome guest showed up at her front door.

Five years ago, this very woman had looked down at her with the same condescending sneer, demanding she leave her son.

Willa despised that arrogant posture and deliberately feigned ignorance. "Excuse me, who are you looking for?"

Eleanor's carefully curated, aristocratic composure cracked slightly, her gaze instantly darkening.

"It's been five years, Willa, and you've certainly developed a sharper tongue," she sneered, her smile dripping with contempt. "But I'm not here to bicker with you today."

Willa leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms without offering the slightest invitation for the woman to step inside. Her posture remained coldly detached. "Just say what you came to say. My place is small; I don't have room for someone of your stature."

Eleanor's chest tightened in irritation at the comeback. She cut straight to the chase. "Zack told me everything."

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