The Monster at My Feet novel Chapter 23

His nerves had been pulled taut for hours, leaving him in a state of chaotic anxiety.

Especially today. He had actually gotten closer to her.

So close that he was still obsessively analyzing the memory of her scent.

Standing by the window, Caspian stared at the rose until his breathing finally leveled out and his body temperature dropped back to normal.

The new sedatives seemed to be doing their job.

As his consciousness grew hazy, he climbed into bed. For the first time in his life, he didn't draw the curtains.

Leaving them open usually triggered violent panic attacks.

But tonight, the glass directly faced her window.

Maybe...

Maybe what?

His mind was already slipping. His fingers curled around the damp paper towel she had used, pressing it against his lips as he curled into a tight ball and drifted off.

-

When Sylvie came downstairs the next morning, Lawrence and Helena were already dressed to leave.

"Morning, Dad. Morning, Helena," she greeted them with a sickeningly sweet smile.

Lawrence was still pleased with her performance at the banquet and gave her an approving nod.

"We're heading to the airport to pick up Lydia, then swinging by the hospital to get Luke. You’ll have to get to school yourself."

The sheer thought of seeing her precious daughter lifted Helena's foul mood, and she actually managed a fake smile.

"Sylvie, when you see Lydia at school, try not to feel too insecure. You’re obviously not in her league, but as long as you know your place and stay quiet, there will always be a spot for you in the Lawson family. Understand?"

Sylvie blinked innocently and watched the couple walk out the door.

Lydia Lawson?

Oh, she knew all about her.

Sylvie's memories dated back to when she was barely a toddler.

She had seen Lydia once before.

It was outside her mother's hospital room. A young Helena had been holding a one-year-old Lydia, staring through the glass with dead, calculating eyes.

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