REBIRTH OF A RUTHLESS ANGEL

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weight that felt personal, too intimate to be anything else. I pressed my ear closer to the door, straining to catch even the faintest h

reath, my pulse racing, and bolted back to my bedroom, hoping to avoid any suspicion. From the hallway, I heard Kathlee

oed out of my room and settled at the edge of the dining table,

ached me, clear and steady, though it carried

h my mind. *Magnus?* His name flickered i

ke the person I'd been expecting. As soon as her eyes landed on me, she dashed over with an energy that took me off gua

asked softly, her voice thic

rt racing as I cast a confused glance at Kathleen. Th

said with a knowing smile, "yo

othing to me. "Danielle?" I repeated as if

l," Kathleen added,

chin so our eyes met. "Michelle, i

ymore,* I reminded myself. *I'm Michelle. And as Mic

r embrace. "Danielle, of course. Forgive my manners. Ple

to breakfast before-at least, not willingly. Usually, your mom had to force you to share meals with me. But sin

e a fragile thread unraveling. *How did Michelle behave around he

edication?" Danielle asked casua

uickly. "Yes, of course," I rep

t smile lighting up his face. Both Danielle and I greeted

he were silently probing, waiting for something. I kept my eyes on my plate, trying to

reaking the silence, "have

on before Kathleen interjected, her voic

f the meal passed in tense silence. The unspoke

ith her. I hesitated but eventually agreed. I told Ka

ichelle," she said firmly,

med in. "Going out might help her r

glance before followin

r tone laced with curiosity. "You'

n eyebrow.

times a week, and today is one of your shopping days. If you

I needed to know more. "You're so kind, Danielle. B

ut a hint of concern lingered

wn that all along. "Of course. I

pick up some things, and after that, we'll stop by the fashion

shake the growing unease. *How

bout the mo

with you"? Danielle asked

I asked surprise

g with you"? What is y

e, Daniell

at me for a whil